E178 



.K395 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

0000570^737 



r^r<* 



.^^^ 




'^bp^ 




^* /jife\ %/ .-M^". ^^r,.^'^ '^ 



!«' 










' o » - ,0 ^ * * , 1 • ^^^ 






.V .o"* 







A 






















; ^^0^ 



^^.^^ 



• « ■» 









CATECHISM 

(f)r THE 

HISTORY 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES: 

WITH A 

CBEOMlSGICAl TABLE OF AMEIllCAN HISTOEJ, 

From its Discovery in 1492 to iJie year 1854. 
ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS. 

»U10ITXD TO ACCOMPANY IRTINO'S SERIES OP CATECHXSMa 

Adapted to the use of Schools in the United States. 
Vj M. J. KERNEY, Esq, 

AtMtor of n>mpenditim of Ancient and Modem History, Ac, <0e., Ae, 



••'l.*^ f« nothing that can better deserve onr patronage than the promc 
jjof. tf "C««nce and literature. Knowledge 1b in every country the siunn 
feM^a ^ public happiness: and In one in which the measares of goTon> 
Hi<K'-^ yv«e-ive their impresslou so immediately from the sense of the co«k- 
' M In onrs, it is proportionably easeutial.— I(^as/itni;t»n> 



Third Enlarged and Revised Edition 



iiALTIMOKS: 

KliLLY, PIET & CO., PUBLISHERS, 

174 Baltimore Street. 



EL\78 



wTWiBD, according to the Act of CJongrwB, in t^ ftm 
ftijfhteen huadred and fifty-four, bj J. Mdbpht? h. Co, 
tB the OJerk's Office cf tha DiBtrict Court of Mxryiaa* 



APR 181^9 

Army and Nary Oln1» 



ADVERTISEMENT 

a f THE THTKD REVISED EDITION 



IHE peculiar merits of this little History afe to Ix 
ftinnd in the accuracy of its details, and in tlie adap- 
tation of its style and arrangement to the capacity of 
that class of learners for which it was designed. In 
these Darticulars it is lar superior to any work ot the 
kind now before the public. But the favor with 
which it has been received, and its extensive circula 
tion, are the tiest comments on its merits. Ten thou 
sand copies hiy^e been disposed of witliin two years. 

Tlicse indications of public approbation have in 
duced the publishers to spare neither labor nor 
expense to render the work still more deserving of 
that hberal patronage which has been already ex- 
teaded to it. The present edition has been carefully 
revised and considerably enlarged ; and in order to 
render the work more interestmg and attractive, a 
aumber of appropriate and instructive engra-ving 
have been introduced. These improvements ^vill ad 
niuch to its merits, and render the present far sape 
nor tc) the previous editions. 

Baltimore Febmary 10, 1864. 



PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDlTiOH 



The following little work is designed for childres 
about to commence the study of History. It has bee* 
cjompiled at the request of the publishers, to be w^ed 
ji connexion with Irving's highly popular series of 
catechisms. The plan of the work is similar to that 
adopted by Dr. Irring. The catechetical form of 
instruction is now admitted by the most experienced 
teachers to be the best adapted to the nature and 
capacity of children — a system by which they will 
acquire a knowledge of a science in les% time than hj 
any other. 

As an introductory work, the following catechisu 
will be found to possess many advantages, particularlj 
for that class of learners for wliich it is designed. Il 
presents to the minds of the young a clear and con- 
cise view of the most interesting and important event* 
of the history of their own country. The chronolo- 
gical table will render them familiar with tb«) datei 
irf the most important transactiona, and servr^ »*> f « 
oxTQll^t iP«ib«d o' ex^*cisiiif ^iisi* j)»ii^o^*^ 



CONTENTS. 



AbVKBTisBMENT to Third Edition 

PuKPACB to First Edition 

Intbodcction 

Chap. 

J. Discovery and Antiquities of America 11 

II. The Settlement of Virginia 17 

fil. The Settlement of the New England States. . 20 
IV The Settlement of the Middle and Southerc 

States 24 

V. The French War, and Conquest of Canada. , . 28 

VI. The Causes of the Revolution 32 

VII. The Revolutionary War .^B 

O'lII. The Rey^olutionary War — Continued 40 

IX. The Revolutionary War — Continued 48 

X. The Revolution^ Concluded 51 

iXI. Adoption of the Constitution of the United 

States — Difficulties with France, &c 56 

ZII. The Late War with England 63 

Xni. The Late War with England— Concluded .. . 68 

ilV. The National Bank, &c 71 

XV, War with Mexico — Causes of the War — The 
Battle of Palo Alto — Battle of Resaca de la 
Palma — Battle of Monterey — Battle of Baena 

Vista Tt 

£V1. War with Mexico, Continued — General Scott 
— Surrender of Vera Cruz — Battle of Cerro 
<»ordo — Battle of Contreras — Battle of Chn- 
ibubod- Sunencier of ti.u uty of Mexico. . ii4 



8 CONTENTS. 

Tag* 
General Qaestioiis on tbo Constitution of the United 

St<ates 91 

General Questions on the Constitutions and Govern- 

naents of the principal States of the Union 91 

Doolaration of Independence 11 

Table showing the birth-place and age of the Sign- 
ers of the Declaration of Independftr,ce 11 

ClhroaoJogical table of the Presidents and o*-*\er Prin- 
cipal officers, since the adoption o*" the Con- 
stitution 11* 

A chronological table of American hietor; ^om the 

disooYerj in 1492 to tbo jear 186 .......12] 



A CATECHISM 



OP TUE 



istorg of il^t MM SWts 



INTRODUCTION. 



Q. What is History? 

A. History is a written narrative of pnsi 
events. 

Q. What are the divisions of History ? 

A. History is divided into Ancient and Mo- 
dern ; which is also subdivided into Civil, Sacred 
and Profane. 

Q. What do you understand by Ancient His- 
tory V 

A. Ancient History, is an account of all 
events, that have t«ken pkce from the Creation 
•f the world to the birth of Christ. 

Q. Whali is Modern History? 

A. Modern History embraces a*n account of 
all events, from the birth of Christ to the present 
time. 

Q. What/is Civil History? 

A. Civil History is an account of the rise, 
continuance, and fall of empires, kingdoms, and 
gtates 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

Q. What is Sacred History? 

A. Sacred History is that, which is containod 
Ni the Sacred Scriptures. 

Q. AVhat is Profane History ? 

A Profane History is properly the liistory of 
})ulous gods, and heroes of antiquity. 

Q. Which is the most ancient history ? 

A. The most ancient history, is that containo»3 
in the Old Testament; which gives an account 
of the Creation of the world, the fall of our first 
parents, &c. 

Q. How many years from the Creation of the 
world to the bii'th of Christ? 

A. It is commonly said to be four thousan<3 
and four years. 

Q. How is Ancient History distinguished ? 

A. It is distinguished for the rise and fall of 
the four great Empires: Assyria, Persia, Greece 
and Rome. 

Q. For what is Modern Plistory distinguished If 

A. Modern History is distinguished tor ihn 
invention of gunpowder, the discovery of A uie- 
rica,.and the invention of the art of printmg 

Q. W^hat are the Middle Ages ? 

A. The Middle Ages, embrace a peiiod, which 
extends from the decline of the Western Em- 
pire of the Romans, to the fall of ihe Eastern 
Empire. 

Q. How are the Middle Ages distinguished? 

A. They are distinguished by the rise, anJ 
progress of Mahometanism, the Feudal System 
Crusades, and Chivalry. 




Lanfllng" of Colnm'bus. 



CHAPTER I. 
Discovery and Antiquities of America. 

Q. Who discovered America? 

A. Christopher Columbus. 

Q. When and where was Columbus born ? 

A. At Genoa, in Italy ; in the year 1435. 

Q. How was his youth spent ? 

A. At the age of fourteen, he engaged in a 
«ea-fa,ring life; and soon became distinguished 
tor his skill in managing boats and vessels upon 
the water. 

Q [n what branches of knowledge did he excel 

A. He was particularly distinguished for his 
knowledge of Geometry, Astronomy, Geography 
and Naval Science. 

Q. What were the peo^/le of Europe at that 
tim« endeavoring to Hnd? 

U i 



12 niSTORT OP 

A. Thaj were endeavoring to find a passage 
by water to the East Indies. 

Q. How did they expect to find a passage by 
water? 

A. By sailing around th« southern part of 
Africa, and then taking an e'vstern course. 

Q. With what country did Columbus suppose 
this continent was connected? 

A. With the East Indies. 

Q. What did he conclude ? 

A. Columhus, reasoning from the spherical 
figure of the earth, concluded that the Indies 
might be reached by sailing directly west fpom 
Europe. 

Q. To whom did he first apply for assistance 

A. He first applied to the government of 
Genoa, his native country, but his theory was 
treated as visionary. 

Q. To whom did he next apply ? 

A. He next applied to the king of Portugal, 
who attentively listened to his theory, and then 
secretly sent a vessel on a voyage of discovery, 
but the captain, being a man of no experience 
in naval science, soon returned without having 
made any discovery. 

Q. By whom was he finally assisted ? 

A. By Ferdinand and Isabella, the sovereign* 
of Spain. 

Q. Where did he sail from? 

A. From the port of Palos, in Spain, witb 
three small vessels, carrying ninety men. 

Q. Can you relate any particulars of the 
Toyago ? 



THE UNITED STATES. 13 

A. The Spaniards, having lost sight of ^and, 
erere seized with fear, and entreated Columbus 
to return to Spain. 

Q. What did Columbus do ? 

A. He endeavored to calm their fears and 
oilence their murmurs bj kindness and promises 
but finding their clamors only increased, he as 
Bumed a decided tone, and told them that tht 
expedition had been sent out by the order of 
the Sovereigns of Spain, to find a passage to 
tiie Indies, and that he would persevere until he 
had accomplished the enterprise. 

Q. Can you relate any other particulars of 
the voyage? 

A. Every evening, Columbus and his com- 
panions, who were Catholics, assembled upon 
the decks of the vessels, and as the sun disap- 
peared in the west, they chanted forth that beau- 
tiiul hymn, the Salve Regina, in honor of the 
BiesDcd Virgin. 

Q. When did he discover America ? 

A. On the 12th of October, in the year 1492 

Q. What land did he first reach ? 

A. He first reacrhed one of the Bahama Islands, 
• ') whach he gave the name of Saint Salvadore. 

Q. How many voyages did Columbus make 
to America? 

A. Four; in the tkird of v/hich he discovered 
the Continent, and landed m several places in 
ihc northern part of South America. 

Q. Where and when did Ooicimbus ctito ? 

A. He died at Valladolid in ^j^aia, in the 
-v-ar 1506. 



14 UISTORY OF 

Q. Why was tke country called America? 

A. The country was called America from 
iVmcricus Vespucius, who sailed to the New 
World on a voyage of discovery after Columbu? 
had reached the Continent; Americus explored 
still farther, the new regions, and on his returr 
to Spain published an account of his discovery 
and the country in consequence, received fronj 
him the name of America. 

Q. By whom was North America discovered ** 

A. By John Cahot, then in the service ot 
Henry VII, king of England. 

Q. What part of iha Continent did Cabot dis 
eovcr ? 

A. He discovered the coast of Labrador, and 
sailed along the southern coast, and took pos- 
session of the country in the name of his sove- 
reign. This laid the foundation of the British 
claim to North America. 

Q. In what year did this take place ? 

A. In the year 1496 ; and one j-ear later, ho 
discovered Newfoundland. 

Q. By whom was the empire of Mexico con- 
quered? 

A. By Hernando Cortez. 

Q. From what place did Cortez sail ? 

A. He sailed from Cuba with a few smaU 
vessels carrying six hundred men, sixteen iLorses 
and a few pieces of cannon. 

Q. Where did he land ? 

A. He landed on the sight where the presoD' 
sity of Vera Cruz now stands 

Q. What did he then do? 



iilE UNITED S'/ATES. 16 

.4, Having burned his vessels, he commenced 
bJs march towards the city of Mexico, and after 
fighting many battles, he took the city, and 
finally reduced the whole empire to a Spanish 
province. 

Q.. Ey whom was Peru, in South America 
liscovered and conquered ? 

A. By Francis Pizarro, about the year 1531 

Q. What was the condition of the Peruvians, 
at the time the empire was discovered ? 

A. The Peruvians, like the Mexicans, were 
considerably advanced in civilization ; they un- 
derstood architecture, agriculture, and the work- 
ing of the precious metals, and had a regular 
government and a code of civil and religious 
laws. 

Q. What did they worship? 

A Tliev worshipped the Sun as the Supreme 
Deity. 

Q. Is it probable that any part of America 
was known before the time of Columbus ? 

A. It is said that Grreonland was visited by 
the Norwegians, in the year 982, and it is now 
generally believed, that America at an early 
period was inhabited by a race of people far 
oiore advanced in civilization than the Indians; 

Q. How do they support this conjecture ? 

A. By the ruins of many extensive works of 
*rt, fotind in many parts of the cauntry. 

Q,. Where may some of these be found ? 

A. In Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New 
Tork, Kentucky, and many other States. 

Q. WhatTuins do you find in Virginia? 



I^ HISTORY OP 

A. Near Wheeling, on the Ohio lliver, is to 
be seen the ruins of an ancient mound, fifty 
feet in circumference, and ninety feet high. 
This mound is filled with thousands of human 
skeletons, and was probably situated near som 
great city, and was the general deposite of th 
dead for ages. 

Q What may be found in Pennsylvania ? 

A. Near Marietta are extensive fortifications, 
consisting of walls, and mounds of earth, from 
six to ten feet high, and nearly forty feet broad 
at the base. On the Susquehanna River, a piece 
of pottery was found, measuring twelve feet 
across the top, and thirty-six feet in circum- 
ference. 

Q. What ruins may be seen in Ohio? 

A. On the banks of the Muskingum River, 
are the ruins of immense walls, forts, mounds, 
and wells, many of thewi built of hewn stone ; 
and at Paint Creek are to be seen the remaifns 
of ancient foris of immense size, covering one 
hundred and fifteen acres of land. 

Q. What has boen found in New York? 

A. In Onondaga County is the site of aa 
ancient burying ground. In one of the gravea 
was found a glass bottle, and an iron hatchet, 
edged with steel. Xu Scipio County, a man 
found several hundred weip;ht of bras^, and a 
quantity of wrought iroji, suffic;ent to shoe his 
horses for many year?. On th^ G-enes^e River, 
a piece of silver was fouud, on which v^^ en- 
graved in Arabic letters tkc ye^vr of ovr J<»ni 
600. 



THE UNITED «TATES 17 

Q. What may be found in Kentucky ? 

A. Lexington, in Kentucky, stands nearly on 
she site of an ancient town of great extent and 
Diagnificence, the ruins of which are still visible 

Q. What do these things prove ? 

A. They prove, that America was at somo ro- 
lote period inhabited by a race of people, ac 
nainted with many of the mechanical arts, and 
ar advanced in civilization ; and that, by some 
unknown cause, they disappeared from the coun- 
try, or sank into a state of barbarism, such aa 
the natives were found when Columbus first vis- 
ited the country. 



CHAPTEU II. 
The Settlement of Virginia. 

Q. When and where did the English <4oic 
i>»ence their settlement in America ? 

A. In 1584, Sir Walter Ealeigh sent out a 
company of adventurers, who landed on an 
island in Pamlico Sound, and then proceeded to 
he Isle of Roanoke, where they commenced a 
ettlcment. 

Q. What was the fate of this party? 

A. They were in a short time reduced to th^ 
••most distress by famine, and by hostilities with 
dio nativi38, and returned again to England. 

Q. Wha.t did Raleigh do in 1585 ? 

A fh 1585, Raleigh sent out another 0012- 
l^atiy of one hundred acd fifry uicu 



18 HISTORY OP 

Q. Where did they land? 

A. This party also landed on the Islo of Ro- 
anoke, but they were soon reduced to great dis- 
tress, and returned to England with Sir Francis 
Drake. 

Q. When was the first permanent settlement 
made in Virginia ? 

A. The first permanent settlement wag made 
in Virginia in 1607, at Jamestown, under the 
direction of the London Company. 

Q. What have you to observe of the first se^ 
tiers ? 

A. They were men of dissipated habits, and 
Jestitute of industry and economy. They were 
soon involved in war with the Indians : and in 
six months after they landed, half their numboi 
died of famine and disease. 

Q. What distinguished man was among th« 
first settlers ? 

A. Captain John Smith. 

Q. What have you to relate of Smith? 

A. He was taken prisoner by the Indians 
who carried him to Powhatan, their king, 

Q. What sentence was pronounced on ynaith 1 

A. He was condemned to death, and imme- 
diately led forth to execution. 

Q What happened as they were about t€ 
execute him? 

A. His head was laid upon a stone, and the 
savages with uplifted clubs were about to kill 
him ; but just at this moment, Pocahontas, the 
favorite daughter of Powhatan, rushed between 
the executioners and the prisoiier, and by her 



rilE UNITED STAPES. 19 

»€ars and entreaties prevailed on her father to 
^pare the life of Smith. 

Q. Was her prayer heard ? 

A. Yes ; Smith obtained his liberty, and re- 
urned in safety to Jamestown. 

Q. What is related of Pocahontas ? 

A. Powhatan had secretly planned ihe 
tniction of the Colony, but Pocahontas w 

Jamestown on a dark and stormy night, and 
dit^jlosed to Smith the designs of her father, and 
th»i.s saved the Colony from destruction. 

Q. ^Vhat happened to her on another visit to 
Tamestown ? 

4. She was detained a prisoner. 

^. Whom did she marry ? 

4. She was married to a young man named 
John Kolfc, with whom she sailed to England, 
and was there instructed in the Christian reli* 
gi-'in, and publicly baptized. 

Q, Where did she die? 

A She died at Gravesend, leaving one son, 
from whom some of the most eminent families 
in Virginia are descended. 

Q. When and by whom was slavery introduced? 

A. In the year 1620, a Dutch vessel from tho 
oast of Guinea, sailed up the James River, hav 
ng on board about twenty negroes, who wer 
old to the planters. 

Q "What happened on the 22d of March, 
IG23? 

A. The colony was attacked l-y the Indiana, 
ind in one fatal hour, 347 of tlio colonists, fell 
^-icUiii? to iJiclr cruoity. 



20 HISTORY OF 

Q. By what was this followed 1 

A. By a war of extermination againpt tli» 
Indians. 

Q. What took place in 1676 V 

A. An insurrection broke out, called Bacon i 
Icbellion, from the name of its leader. 

Q. During this rebellion, what happened? 

A. The country was laid waste, and Jamc» 
town burned to the ground ; but it Was tcrmi 
Dated by the death of Bacon. 



CHAPTER III. 
Tfic Settlement of the New England Stotes. 

Q. Plow did these States get the name of 
New England ? 

A. In 1614 this section of the country was 
visited by the celebrated Captain Smith, who 
explored the coast, and on his return to Europe 
made a map of the country and called it Neit 
England. 

Q. By whom was Massachusetts settled ? 

A. By a company of persons from England 
called Puritans. 

Q. Where had the Puritans gone before thc^ 
removed to America ? 

A. They had gone to Holland. 

Q. Why did they resolve to remove to Ame 
riea? 

A To avoid the persecution carried oii agaiu.^' 



THE UNITED STATES. 55 » 

them in I'heir own country on account of their 
religion. 

Q. What was the name of the vessel in which 
they sailed ? 

A. The Mayflower. 

Q. Where did they intend to land ? 

A. They intended to land at the mouth of th 
Hudson river, but they were carried much fur 
ther to the north. 

Q. When and where did they land ? 

A. They landed on the 22d of December 
1620, at a place called by the natives Patuxet, 
but to which they gave the name of Plymouth. 

Q. Why did they call the place Plymouth ? 

A. In honor of Plymouth, in England, the 
Dort fi'om which they sailed. 

Q. What was the number of the Pilgrims ? 

A. They numbered 101. 

Q. What was their condition ? 

A. They suffered greatly from famine and 
sickness, so that half their number died before 
spring. 

Q. What regulation did they establish shortly 
after their landing ? 

A. With a desire of conforming to the sim- 
Dlicity 0f the early Christians, they held all theif 
property in common. 

Q. By whom were they visited in 1621 ? 

A. They were visited by Massasoit, a distin- 
ruished Indian chief, from whom the State of 
Massachusetts derives its name. 

Q. When and by whom was Connecticut set- 
kled? 



22 UISTOKY CF 

A. In 1636, by a company of persons froa 
Massachusetts, with their minister, Mr. Hooker 

Q. Where did they commence their first set 
tlements ? 

A. At Windsor, Hartford, and Weathersfield 

Q. V)j whom was Rhode Island settled? 

A. Rhode Island was settled in 1636, by Ro- 
ger Williams, a clergyman, who was expello<J 
from Massachusetts on account of his religioi^ 
opinions. 

Q. What did Williams call the first town ? 

A. He called it Providence, in grateful re 
raembrance of the protection of Heaven over him 

Q. What may be remarked of the charter ob- 
tained from England for the government of the 
colony ? 

A. The charter was liberal ; it granted free 
toleration in matters of religion, yet by the very 
first Assembly convened under its authority, the 
Roman Catholics were excluded from voting at 
elections, and from all civil offices. 

Q. By whom was the first settlement in New 
Hampshire made V 

A. By the Rev. Mr. W^heelright, and a few 
followers, who were also banished from Massa- 
husetts on account of their religion. 

Q. Who made the first settlement in Maine? 

A. The first settlement in Maine was made 
by Ferdinand Gorges in 1636. 

Q. From what did the New England colonies 
suffer ? 

A. They suffered greatly from the hostilitio^ 
nf the Indian.' 



THE UNITED STATES. 2t. 

Q Were the New England colonies engaged 
■Q war with the natives? 

.4. Yes — in a war known as King Phiiip'a 
ft'ar. 
"' Q. Who was Philip ? 

A. He was the son of Massasoit, chief of th 
t^fii*.(ianoags, and resided chiefly at Moiin 
flop^, "Rhode Island. 

Q. What is said of this war ? 

A. It was distinguished for the utmost cru- 
•jlty i.Qd sufferings on both sides. 

Q. IIow was it terminated ? 

A. It was terminated by the dea^h of Philip 
wtio tfas shot by one of his own men. 

Q. Which were the most powerful tribes 'I 

A. The Narragansetts and the Pequods. 

Q. What have you to relate concerning the 
cwo tribes? 

A. The Narragansetts and Pequods were al- 
ways great enemies to each other ; at length 
the former joined the English in a war against 
the latter, and the nation of the Pequods was 
entirely destroyed. 

Q. When and where was the first printing 
)resa established in America ? 

A. In the year 1639, at Cambridge, in Mas 
achusetts. 

Q. What may be said of the colonists with 
egard to education ? 

A. They took deep interest in the affairs of 
education, and at an early period established 
schools and colleges for the education of their 
ahildren 



24 HISTORY OP 

Q. When was Harvard University foua^edl 

A. In the year 1638, at Cambridge. 

Q, When and where was William and JV1m»' 
College founded? 

A. In the year 1693, in Virginia. 

Q. When was Yale College founded ? 

A. In the year 1700, at Saybrook, in Conner 
Jcut. 

Q. When was Dartmouth College founded ? 

A. In the year 1769, at Hanover, New Hamp 
shire. 



CHAPTER IV. 



The Settlement of the Middle and Southern 
States. 

Q. By whom was New York settled ? 

A. By a company of Dutch, in the year 1614. 

Q. Where did they commence their settle- 
ment? 

A. They sailed up the Hudson river, and 
commenced a settlement near the present city 
of Albany ; they also commenced another set- 
tlement on Manhattan Island, where the city of 
New York now stands, and called it New Am- 
sterdam. 

Q. Why is the " Hudson river " so called ? 

A. It was called after Henry Hudson, an 
jSnglishman, then in the service of a Holland 
company ; he was the first European who entered 
that river 



THE UNITED .STATES. 20 

Q. Whaf-i took place in the year 16C4. 

A. New Amsterdam was conquered by the 
Knglish, and called New York, in honor of tha 
Duke of York, to whom it was granted. 

Q. By whom was Delaware settled ? 

A. Delaware was settled by the Swedes and 
Finns, in 1630. 

Q. Where did they commence their first net* 
tlcDient ? 

A. Near the entrance of the Delaware Day, 
where they laid the foundation of LewistowD, 
the oldest town in the State. 

Q. A few years after they commenced this 
settlement, what took place ? 

A. The Swedes and Finns were conquered, 
and their colony subdued by Stuyvesant, the 
Governor of- New Netherlands. 

Q. By whom was Maryland settled ? 

4. The settlement of Maryland was com- 
menced in 1633, by a colony of Koman Catho- 
lics under Lord Baltimore, a native of England. 

Q. Why did they leave England ? 

A. They left England, because they were 
greatly persecuted on account of their religion. 

Q. Where did they land ? 

A. They landed on the shores of the Chesa- 
peake Bay, and commenced a settlement at 
village which they purchased from the Indians, 
and called St. Mary's. 

Q. What were the names of the vessels in 
^hich they sailed ? 

A. They were called the Ark and the Dova 



Z*i IlLiiTOKy OP 

Q. What have you to observe with regard tc 
this colony? 

A. The government of Lord Baltimore was 
established on the most liberal principles. Civil 
and religious liberty were proclaimed ; no one 
was molested on account of his religion ; and all 
were permittdd to worship God according to the 
dictates of their own conscience. 

Q. To whom does the honor of having first 
established religious freedom in America be- 
long? 

A. To the Ptoman Catholics of Maryland. 

Q. How did Lord Baltimore treat the Indians ^ 

A. With kindness and humanity ; they paid 
them for their lands, and by the aid of their mis- 
sionaries, many of them were converted to Cbris^ 
tianity. 

Q. Who were the missionaries that accompa 
Qied the early settlers of Maryland? 

A. Father White and Father Altham.. tw« 
Jesuit priests. 

Q. By whom was Pennsylvania settled 1 

A. By a company of Friends, or Quakere 
under the celebrated William Penn. 

Q. When did they arrive in this country ? 

A. The first company arrived in the yeai 
1681, but Penn himself did not arrive unfcij 
about a year later, with another party. 

Q. Where did tliey commence a settlement T 

A. They purchased the land from the natives, 
and commenced a settlement on the Delaware 
river, where the city of Philadelphia now stands. 

Q. What have you to observe of this colony 1 



rilE UMITUD STATES 27 

A William Penn, following the example of 
tiOrd Baltimore, established full liberty of con- 
rcience, and the settlement soon became flour- 
if^hing. 

Q. When and where did Penn die ? 

A. lie died in England in 1718, in the 75tb 
ear of his age. 

Q. By whom was North Carolina settled? 

A. In the year 1650, by a colony from Vir- 
inia. 

Q. Where did they commence a settlement ? 

A. Near xllbemarle Sound. 

Q. When was South Carolina settled ? 

A. In the year 1689, where Charleston now 
tands. 

Q. What was introduced in 1700? 

A. In the year 1700 the cultivation of cotton 
and rice was introduced. 

Q. When and by whom was Georgia settled ? 

A. In the year 1732, by Mr. Oglethorpe, who 
commenced a settlement where the city of Sa- 
vannah now stands. 

(^. Why was it called Georgia ? 

A. It was called in honor of George the Sea 
DQ, at that time King of England. 



HISTORY OK 




SiirniKier of Uuelrec, and Deatii of General Wolfe. 

CHAPTER V. 
The French, War, and Conquest of Canada. 

Q. Where had the French made settlements 

A. They had made settlements in Canada 
Nova Scotia, and near the Mississippi river. 

Q. What occurred between the English and 
French settlers ? 

A. Frequent disputes. 

Q. What did the French endeavor to do ? 

A They endeavored to connect their distani 
possessions by erecting forts along the Ohic 
river, and military posts from that r^ver acrosj 
the country to the lakes. 

Q. What did the Governor of Virgi:Qia do ? 

A lie resolved to send a person to tho Fr^ncfc 



THE UNITED STATES. 



29 



Ac(Ji'ii)jent on the Ohio to demand the car.se (^ 
thoscr hostile proceedings. 

Q. On whom did the choice fall? 

A. On George Washington, then a j^oung 
oian, in the twenty-first year of his age. 

Q. When and where was Washington born 

A. On the 22d of February, 1732, in West 
noreland county, Virginia. 

Q. How was his youth distinguished ? 

A. It was distinguished by his attention and 
progress in his studies, and great regard for truth. 

Q. Can you relate any remarkable instance 
of his cjindor ? 

A. Yes; it is related that his father once 
gave him a little hatchet^ with which in his 
youthful t5pt>Tt, he destroyed a valuable young 
apple tree. His father, being very angry, asked 
who had destroyed the tree. Young George, 
hearing it, ran to his father and said, " Father, 
you know that I cannot tell a lie ; I did it with 
my hatchet." 

Q. How far were the French forts on the Ohio 
from the Virginia colony ? 

A. The distance was abojit 400 miles, 200 of 
«7hich were through a wilderness inhabited by 
totile tribes of Indians. 

Q. How did Washington travel ? 

A. fie started on horseback, but before h 
had provieoded ftir his horse failed. He then 
proceeded on foot, with a musket in his hand 
and A pack on his back. He reached the French 
Bctllement, delivered tiie njosb.ige to tnc com- 
mander, and returned safely to t'irgicla. 



so iitsroiiv OF 

Q. What Iiavc 3'ou to observe of the reply 0^ 
fhc French coniniaiidcr ? 

A. The reply did not give satisfaction, asd 
the Governor of Virginia immediately organized 
a regiment to support the claims of Great Britain 

Q. AVho "tvas appointed commander of thi 
cgiment ? 

^-1. Mr. Fry was appointed colonel, and yoanje; 
Washington lieutenant-colonel ; but on the death 
cf Fry, which happened shortly afterwards, the 
command devolved upon Washington. 

Q- Where did Washington proceed? 

A. He marched forward to attack the French 
at Fort Duquesne, near the place where PittS" 
burg now stands. 

Q. What happened before he reached that 
place ? 

A. Before he reached the fort, he was informed 
that the French had been strongly reinforced, 

Q. What did he do? 

A. He fell back to a fort which he had re- 
cently thrown up. 

<^>. What took place there ? 

A. He was there attacked by the French, and 
made a brave resistance, but he was at last com- 
elled to capitulate. 

Q. What happened in 1754? 

A. General Braddock arrived in A'^irginia witb 
authority of commander-in-chief of the English 
forces in America. 

Q. What did Braddock do? 

A. Despising the^irudent advice of Yv^aslin^tf 
<-oir, ho pushed forwird to Fort l)u<jue>^ije 



THE UNITED SfArES. 81 

Q. What was the consequence ? 

A. Before he .recached the fort, he was sud- 
lonlv attacked by a body of French and Indians 

^r What followed? 

A. After making a brave resistance, the Eng- 
t«h were totally defeated. 

Q. What is said of Braddock ? 

A He did all that a brave general could dn 
out after having three horses shot under him, he 
fell mortally wounded. 

Q. What is said of Washington ? 

A. Washington had two horses shot under 
him, and four balls passed through his coat, yet 
he escaped unhurt. 

Q. How many of the British were killed in 
this battle ? 

Q. About seven hundred ; and out of eighty- 
five officers, only twenty-one survived. 

Q. About the same time, what took place iL 
the eastern colonies ? 

A. General Shirley, of Massachusetts, led an 
expedition against Canada ; but it was unsuc- 
etissful ; and Oswego was taken by the French. 

Q. What took place in 1759 ? 

A Niagara was tak'^n by Sir William John- 
son, and Quebec by General Wolfe. 

Q. What is related of Wolfe ? 

A. He received a mortal wound in the m(v- 
oicnt of victory, and was carried to the roar of 
the army. When in the agcmies of death, he 
Ueurd the sliout : - They fly, tliey fly !" "Who 
Sy*r" a?:kcd the d^nng hero, and being to]'] that 



tjZ HISTORY OF 

it was the French, he replied : " I die hap|-\ " 
and immediately expired. 

Q. What is related of Montcalm, the French 
commander? 

A. Montcalm also fell mortally wounded ; and 
being told that he could survive only a few mo- 
monts, he replied : " So much the better ; I shall 
not then live to see the surrender of Quebec." 

Q. \VTiat took place the following year? 

A. Canada was reduced to a British province 



CHAPTER VI 

The Causes of the Revolution. 

Q. What may be observed of the eolonics 
ap to this period? 

A. Up to this period the (wlonies expressed a 
warm attachment hr England, and felt proud 
of their connection with one of the most pow- 
erful nations of Europe. 

Q. What were some of the causes which led 
to the American Revolution ? 

A. Shortly after the French war, the British 
government began to encroach upon the rights 
of the colonies, and wished to raise a revenue 
Oy taxing them without their consent. 

Q. What was the first act of oppression, 
passed by the British parliament towarda the 
American colonies? 



THE UNITED STATES. 



A, It was the fa.mous Stamp Act, passed in 
iSie year 1765. 

Q. What was the nature of this act ? 

A. By this act, the Americans were compelled 
oo use stamjied paper for all notes, bonds, and 
other legal instruments, on which paper a heavy 
•iaty was to be paid to the British government. 

Q. What did the Americans do, when they 
heard of the passage of this act? 

A. They shut up the courts of justice, and 
the people settled their disputes by arbitration ; 
they then formed an association against import- 
ing or using British goods. 

Q. What took place in 1766 ? 

A. The opposition to the stamp act was so 
great, that it was repealed in 1766. 

Q. What was the next act of oppression on 
the part of the British parliament ? 

A. In 1767, a duty was laid on tea, glass, pa- 
per, and several other articles, imported to the 
colonies. 

Q. What followed the passage of this act ? 

A. The flame of opposition increased in Ame- 
rica to such a degree, that in 1770, the British 
parliament repealed the duties on all articles, 
xcept three pence per pound on tea. 

Q. In 1773 how did the people of Boston ex- 
press their opposition to the duty on tea? 

A. A party of men, disguised as Indians, 
went on board the ships, during the night, and 
threw the tea, consisting of 342 chests, into th« 
harbor. 



64 HISTORY oy 

Q. When the news of this actio» «eaeh€.»> 
England, what did the parliament do ? 

A An act was passed, by which the pert o^ 
Boston was closed, and the government tranp- 
ferred to Salem. 

Q. How did the people of Maryland c:ijpreF« 
^icir opposition to the duty on teaV 

A. They assembled in several places, and 
compelled the persons, who paid the duty, to 
burn the tea publicly. On one occasion, at 
Annapolis, they burned not only the tea, but 
also the vessel in which it was imported. 

Q. What ether tyrannical act was passed 
about this time ? 

A. An act was passed by the British parliH- 
ment, by which, all persons indicted for capita! 
offences, were to be sent to England for trial. 

Q. When and where did the first ContinentaJ 
Congress meet? 

A. At Philadelphia, in the yeai 1774. 

Q. What agreement was entered into ? 

A. An agreement was entered into, called th<» 

Solemn League and Covenant, by which th** 

members detfermined to suspend all intercourse 

with Grreat Britain until their rights should >)o 

estored. 

Q. Who was the first President of the (^jh^. 
Dental 'Congress? 

A. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia. 

Q. What was commenced about thii» *»!»«» 1 

A. A regular enlistment of soldier.s 



THE UNITED STATES. 



'% i«),feJ 



S5 




Battle of Bunker Hill. 

CHAPTER VII. 
The Revolutionary War. 

Q. WiiEiiE was the first battle fought in the 
Kovoliition V 

A. At Lexington, in the year 1775. 

Q. What occasK-^ned the battle of Lexington ? 

A. On the 19th of April, a body of British 
troops was sent to destroy some military stores 
collected at Concord; but in passing through 
iioxington they were met by a small party cf 
Americans who had assembled to oppose their 
progress. 

Q. 'SVhat was the issue of the battle V 

A. The Americans were dispersed, and the 
British troops proceeded to Concord. 



rfO HISTORY Olf 

0. What followed this event ? 

A. The Americans, roused by the report (A 
the muskets, assembled by hundreds, and thi 
British were obliged to retreat to Boston. 

Q What happened to them in their retreat ? 

A. They were attacked by the Americans 
nd sixty-five of their number killed, and on 
undred and eighty wounded. 

Q. What did Congress do immediately attei 
this event ? 

A. It voted that thirty thousand men should 
be raised in the New England colonies. 

Q. In the mean tirae what was done ? 

A. Crown Point and several other forts and 
magazines in the possession of the E'^glish weie 
seized by the Americans. 

Q. Wliat did the Americans resolvo ? 

A. They resolved, if possible, to drive the 
British from Boston. 

Q. For this purpose, what did thev df> ? 

A. They directed Colonel Prescott, with » 
Dody of one thousand men, to throw up an id 
trenchraent on Bunker's Hill. 

Q. What mistake took place? 

A. Prescott took possession of Breed's Hill 
va. eminence much nearer Boston. 

Q. When did Prescott gain possession of th.. 
ill? 

A. He reached the place during the night of 
the 1 6th of June, and worked so silently that the 
Rnglish had no intimation of his design until the 
sun, on the return of day, beaiftcd upon tfeo 
American works 



THE DN'ITED STATES. 37 

Q. What did the British do when they beheld 
Breed's Hill occupied by the Americans ? 

A. After firing upon the works from the ships 
in the harbor, without effect, General Gage sent 
General Howe and General Pigot, with three 
housand men to drive the Americans from th 
ill. 

Q. What followed? 

A. 3'he memorable battle of Bunker's Hill, 
during which the British troops were twice re- 
pulsed, with a heavy loss ; but being reinforced, 
they finally succeeded in carrying the fortifica- 
tion. 

Q. How did the Americans fight ? 

A. They fought with determined bravery 
when all their ammunition was exhausted, they 
continued the battle with the butt-end of their 
muskets, and were only driven from their work? 
at the point of the bayonet. 

Q. What was the loss on both sides ? 

A. The British lost one thousand and fifty- 
.TDur, in killed and wounded, and the Americans 
thirty-nine killed and two hundred and twenty- 
sight wounded. 

Q. What American officers were engaged in 
his action ? 

A. Generals Warren, Putnam, and Starke; 
he former of whom was killed. 

Q. During the battle of Bunker's Hill, what 
oown was set on fire ? 

A. Charlestown ; a few bombs were thrown 
mto it, and the place soon enveloped in flames 



38 HISTORY UP 

Q. After this battle, who was chosen aa Con*- 
manderrin-chief of the American forces ? 

A Greorge "Washington, then in the fortv 
fourth year of his age. 

Q When and where did Washington taki 
command of the army ? 

A. On the 2d of July, 1775, at Cambridge 
near Boston. 

Q. What was the number of the army at thi? 
time ? 

A. About foui'teen thousand men. 

Q. Who were sent to invade Canada ? 

A. Generals Schuyler and Montgomery ; but 
the former being unable to proceed on account 
of sickness, the whole command devolved on 
Montgomery. 

Q. What place did Montgomery capture ? 

A. Montreal: November 13th, 1775. 

Q. Who was sent to aid Montgomery? 

A. General Arnold. 

Q. What place did they attempt to take by 
storm ? 

A. The city of Quebec. 

Q. What was the result ? 

A. The attempt proved unsuccessful and fatal 
*o the heroic Montgomery, who fell in the act of 
caxing the walls. 

Q. Of what country was Montgomery a na- 
tive? 

A. Of Ireland, which he left in order to aid 
the Americans in gaining tneir liberty. 

Q. What was tho first operation of Generai 
W.ashxDgton ? 



fHE UNITED STATl.S. 39 

i. The expulsion of the British from Boston 

Q. How did he effect this ? 

A. He erected a battery on Dorcliester Point, 
ffhich soon obliged General Howe to abandon 
he city. 

Q When did the British leave 13oston ? 

A. Ou the J 7th of March they embarked foi 
lalifax. 

Q. By whom was the city of Charleston, the 
capital of South Carolina, attacked ? 

A. By Sir Peter Parker, with several British 
vessels of war. 

Q. What was the result ? 

A. After a violent assault, which lasted for 
ten hours, they were compelled to retire. 

Q. Who defended the city ? 

A. Colonel Moultrie. 

Q. On the 7th of June what motion was made 
m Congress ? 

A. A motion was made by Bichard Henry 
Lee, of Virginia, and seconded by John Adams, 
af Massachusetts, declaring the colonies free 
and independent. 

Q. When did the Declaration of Indepen- 
ionce take place ? 

A. On the fourth of July, in the year 1776 

Q. Who wi'ote the Declaration of Tndepen- 
itnce ? 

A. Thomas Jefferson. 

Q. How many colonies were there at that 
I'Qe? 

A. Thiixeen. " ^ 

Q. Want wore ther declared to be? 



40 HISTORY C^ 

A. They were declared to be F7'ec, Soveretgv 
and Independent States. 

Q. "Where was Congress then assembled? 

A. In Philadelphia. 

Q. Who was then President of the Congress 

A. John Hancock. 

Q. How did the signers pledge themselves fe« 
Bupport this declaration ? 

A. They pledged their lives, their fortune*, 
and their sacred honor. 

Q. What was the effect of the Declaration of 
Independence ? 

A. By it all connection with Great Britain 
was for ever dissolved. 



CHAPTER VIII„ 
TJie Revolutionary War — continued. 

Q. When and where was the first battle 
fought after the Declaration of Independence! 

A. On the 27th of August, on Long Island. 

Q. Which party was victorious ? 

A. The British. 

Q. Who commanded the Americans? 

A. Grcncral Sullivan. 

Q. By whom were the British commanded 

A. Sir Henry Clinton, Percy, and Lord Corn 
wallis. 

Q. Can you tell the loss on both sides ? 

A. The British lost four hundred, but ih* 



rilE UNITED STATES. 41 

Americans lost about one thousand in killed, 
wounded and prisoners, 

Q. What incident occurred about this time, 
that exhibits the noble and indepeident spirit 
of General Washington ? 

A. Letters were addressed to him by General 
Howe, comm-ander of the British ; but as these 
etters were directed to George Washington, and 
not to him in his official capacity, Washington 
refused to receive them. 

Q. When he was told that they contained 
grants of pardon, &c., what did he reply ? 

A. He replied, that the Americans had com- 
mitted no wrong, and therefore wanted no par- 
don : they were only contending for their rights 
and liberties. 

Q. After the battle of Long Island, what did 
the British do ? 

A. They took possession of New York, Sep- 
tember 15th, 

Q. Where did the Americans retire ? 

A. They retired to White Plains, where, on 

Afie 28th of October, a severe action took place, 

m which several hundred were killed and wound- 

d on bo^i sides ; yet neither party could qlain) 

he victory. 

Q. After this battle where did Washin.ct^: 
fttire ? 

A. He retiied to Newark ; from thence i\^ 
pa.'^sed through New Brunswick, Princeton, 
t'-'jntoii, and finally crossed the Delaware, beinf 
i'X- eely pursued by the British under Lord Corn 
»■ ills 



42 HISTORY OP 

Q. Where was General Lee taken prisoner 1 

A. At Baskenridge, near New Brunswick. 

Q. During the winter of this year, what darit ; 
enterprise did Washington accomplish ? 

A. On the 25th of December he recrosscd 
the Delaware, and surprissed a large body of 
Hessian troops at Trenton, and took them pri- 
iBoners. 

Q. What was the number of the prisoners 

A. About one thousand and forty-eight. 

Q. Who were the Hessians ? 

A. TJicy were German soldiers, hired by Eng- 
land to fight against the Americans. 

Q. What did Washington then do ? 

A. Taking with him a great quantity of arms 
and ammunition that fell into his hands, he re- 
crossed the Delaware the same day. 

Q. What was Washington's next exploit ? 

A. On the 3d of January, 1777, he proceeded 
to Princeton, defeated a party of British, with a 
loss of three hundred men, and compelled the 
remainder, about three hundred in number, to 
surrender themselves as prisoners of war. 

Q. In this action who was killed ? 

A. General Mercer, of Virginia. 

Q. What is said of these achievements? 

A. They diffused universal joy among th 
Americans, and inspired them with fresh ardo 
in the cause of freedom. 

Q. During this spring, what took place in 
vjonnecticut ? 

.4. Governor Tryon was sent by the Bn'tis' 
10 destroy some military stores at Danbury 



llliJ UNITED STATES. 4i) 

9 Did lie succeed in his design ? 

A. i'xtf Qebtroyed the stores, and partly burai 
f .10 town. 

(^. What happened on his return? 

A. He "was attacked and defeated by the 
'Yinericans under General Wooster, who unfor 
ijiiiately lost his life. 

Q, What was the object of General Howe , 

A To gain possession of Philadelphia. 

Q. For this purpose what did he do ? 

A. He embarked his troops at New York, 
sailed up the Chesapeake Bay, and landing at 
the head of Elk River, he commenced his march 
to Philadelphia. 

Q. When and where was he opposed ? 

A On the 11th of September, on the banks 
.)f the river Brandywine, not far from AYilming- 
bon. 

Q. What was the result of the battle ? 

A. The Amei leans, under General Washing- 
ton, were repulsed. 

Q. What two distinguished foreigners serred 
under the American banners, in the battle ? 

A. Lafayette, of France, and Pulaski, of Po- 
and; the former of whom was wounded. 

Q. Who was Lafayette ? 

A. He was a French nobleman, who came 
his country to assist the Americans in gaining 
heir independence. 

Q Who was Pulaski ? 

A. He was a native of Poland ; he came to 
fh\a country in order to assist the countrymen 
ii WHshin;rton in maintainiaj' ihf-ir rights, and 



^4 HISTOEY OF 

h\ obtaining dieir iibertiee. He v,tis killed m 
tho American cause, at Savannah. 

Q. When did the British take possession <A 
Philadelphia ? 

A. On the 2Gth of September, 1777. 

Q. What took place on the 4th of October * 

A An attempt was made by General Wash- 
mgton to surprise a detachment of the British 
at Grermantown ; but the attempt was unsuc- 
cessful. 

Q. Where had the Americans two fort? 
erected ? 

A. They had one on Mud Island, below Phi- 
ladelphia, called Fort Mifflin, and another on 
the Jersey Shore, called Red Bank. 

Q. What have you to observe of these forts ? 

A. They were repeatedly attacked by the 
British, and finally taken, but not until they 
were entirely battered down, and all the cannon 
dismounted. 

Q. Where did Washington take up his winter 
quarters ? 

A. At Valley Forge, about twenty miles from 
Philadelphia. 

Q. What have you to observe of the condition 
of the Americans at Valley Forge ? 

A. They were destitute of almost every thing, 
shoes, stockings, blankets, tents, &c., and had 
nothing but temporary huts to shelter them from 
the inclemency of the weather. 

Q. What took place at Bennington ? 

A. Colonel Bauni, the British commander. wa» 
(lefeated by the Americans under Generat 5!?4av»ko 



TIES CNITED STATES 45 

Q. When did this engacrement take place ? 

A. On the 16th of August, 1777. 

Q. Who was the coramander-in-ohief of the 
^Jritish forces in this quarter ? 

A General Burgoyne. 

Q Who, at that time, was appointed te th 
command of the American forces ? 

A General Gates. 

Q What battle took place on the 19th of 
September ? 

A. The battle of Stillwater, on the west side 
of the Hudson river. 

Q. What party gained the victory ? 

A. The battle was indecisive, though the 
Americans had the advantage, 

Q. Where did Burgoyne intrench himself? 

A. At Saratoga. 

Q. When was the battle of Saratoga fought ? 

A . On the 7th of October. 

Q. Who distinguished himself in this battle ? 

A. Gen. Arnold, who was severely wounded. 

Q. What took place on the 17th of October, 
;777 ? 

A. Burgoyne was compelled to surrender him- 
self and his whole army to General Gates as pri- 
loneis of war. 

Q. What was thu number of troops that sur- 
rendered to G eneral Gates at Saratoga ? 

A. About 5,790 men, together with ail theil 
arms, ammunition, and military stores. 



46 UISTOHl 0> 

CHAPTER IX 
The Revdidioiuify War— continued. 

Q. What took place in the early part of tb 
ear 1778 ? 

A. A treaty of alliance was concluded Ix 
tween France and the United States. 

Q. Can you name the American commission 
ers with whom the treaty was negotiated ? 

A. Dr. Franklin, Silas Dean, and Arthur Lt-r 

Q. Who was then King of France? 

A. Louis the Sixteenth. 

Q. When the news of this treaty reached 
England, what was done by the British govern- 
ment? 

A. War was immediately declared agai«st 
France, and commissioners were sent to Ame 
rica to settle the difficulties with the colonies 

Q. Were these commissioners successful ? 

A. No ; their offers were rejected. 

Q. What took place on the 22d of June, 177*'' 

A. The British evacuated Philadelphia. 

Q. What occurred on the 28th of June? 

A The battle of Monmouth took place. 

Q. Can you describe the battle ? 

A. The battle was conducted for some tim« 
frith great bravery on both sides; at lengtl 
General Lee retreated^ and threw the Americai 
lines into disorder ; but Washington coming uji 
at this moment, order was afjrain restored Th» 



niE UNITKP «TATK6. 47 

Saitlc ended with the day ; and during tlio night 
he British silently withdrew and continvcd their 
oarch to New York. 

Q What have you to observe of Lee ? 

A Lee was tried for disobedience of orders, 

nd disrespect to the commander-in-chief, and 

appended from the service. He never joined 

he army again. He died in the fall of 1782 in 

Philadelphia. 

Q What assistimce arrived about this tiuic ? 

A. In July a fleet under the command of 
Count d'Estaign, sent over by the king of France, 
arrived on the coast of the United States, bring 
mg aid to the Americans. 

Q. What was done by the fleet ^ 

A. Nothing of any particular importance ; a* 
the close of the season it sailed to the West In 
dies, where it remained during the winter. 

Q. What settlement was destroyed about thi 
time? 

A. The settlement of Wyoming. 

Q. Where was Wyoming ? 

A. It was situated near the banks of the Sus- 
aiiehanna, in the present county of Luzerne 
Pennsylvania. 

Q. Can you describe its destruction ? 

A. It was j-^tacked by a party of tories an 
Indians ; the men were butchered and the woanei* 
md children locked up in the houses, which were 
then set on fire, and the unfortunate mmatea 
VfQVQ o^jsumed in the flames. 

Q. Where did Washington pass the winter of 
1778 and 1.779? 



»f» IIISXORY 0? 

A. At Middlebrook, in New Jprso^ 

Q. What took place in July ? 

A. Stony Point, on the Hudson, was captured 
6y General Wayne. 

Q. In the mean time, what took place in th< 
outh? 

A. The British took possession of Savannafc 
<»ud Sunbury, in Georgia. 

Q. Yf hat took place at Savannah ? 

A. The Americans, under General Lincoln, 
in connection with the French fleet, attempted 
to retake it, but the attempt was unsuccessful. 

Q. What distinguished personage was killed 
during this attack ? 

A. The brave and patriotic Pulaski, a native 
of Poland, who had come to this country to aid 
the Americans to gain their independence. 

Q. How was the campaign of 1780 com- 
menced ? 

A. The British laid siege to Charleston, the 
capital of South Carolina. 

Q. What was the result ? 

A. The city was bravely defended for some 
time, but was at length compelled to surrender, 
Muy 11th. 

Q. What took place on the 16th of August , 

A. The battle of Camden, in which Genera! 
Gates was defeated by the British, under Lord 
Cornwallis. 

Q. What troops distinguished themselves in 
this battle ? 

A. The regular troops of Maryland and Dele 
ware. 



THE UNITED STiiTKS. 49 

^. WVrt) commanded these troops ? 

A. The brave and illustrious Baron De Kalh. 
' bo maintained his position until overpowered 
Dy numbers and taken prisoner. 

Q. Who was De K^lb ? 

A. He was a Prussian Genwal, who, like 
liatayette and Pulaski, left his home and can« 
x> this country to assist the Americans in gain- 
ing their independence. 

Q. What was his fate ? 

A. He died of the wounds he received in thi* 
battle 

^. What did he say to a British officer be- 
fore his death ? 

A. He said : " I die the death I have always 
.•rayed for ; the death of a soldier fighting for 
be lights of man." 

Q. Where was the next battle fought? 

A. At King's Mountain, North Carolina. 

Q. What party gained the victory? 

A, The Americans, under Colonel Campbell. 

Q. What took place in July ? 

A. A French fleet, under the command of Do 
Tcrnay, arrived at Rhode Island. 

Q. What was the number of troops on board 
bis fleet ? 

A. About 6,000, under the command of Coun 
Ac Rochambeau. 

Q. What naval victory have you to record 
luring this year ? 

A. In September of this year, Paul Jones, 
sailing under the American flag, gained an im- 
portant victory over a British frigate, on the 



50 iiiSTOiiY or 

ecast of Scotland. The Order of Merit was 
sonferred on liim by Louis XVI, of France, an'^ 
Congress gave him a vote of thanks and pre- 
»*auted him with a gol<^ medal. 

vj>. For what was this year distinguished ? 

A. For the treachery of General Arnold. 

Q. What did Arnold intend to do? 

A. He intended to betray West Point into 
the hands of the British. 

Q. Who was the agent with whom Arnold 
had an interview ? 

A. A British Major, named John Andre. 

Q. How were the designs of Arnold prevented' 

A. Andre was detected on his return to New 
York. 

Q. Can you relate the particulars of his cap- 
ture ? 

A. He was returning to New York in the 
dress of a private citizen, when he was stopped 
by three American soldiers, who searched him, 
and found a drawing of West Point, and other 
papers concealed in one of his boots. 

Q. When did this take place ? 

A. On the 23d of September, 1780. 

Q. What did Andre do to obtain his release? 

A. He offered his captors a purse of gold, 
and a valuable watch, if they would let him go : 
but these noble-hearted patriots valued their 
country above gold ; they refused to release him, 
and immediately led him to the American camp 

Q. What was the fate of Andre ? 

A. He was tried and executed as a spy. 

Q What became of Arnold ? 



THE UNITED STATES. 51 

A. He made his escape to New York, and 
received, as the reward of his treachery, the ap- 
pointment of General in the British army. 




Surrender of Comwallis, 

CHAPTER X. 
The Revolution — concluded. 

Q. After the defeat of General Gates, who 
W'AH appointed to the comn^and of the Southern 
irmy? 

^4. General Greene, in 1781. 

Q. What took place on the 17th of January, 
ihis year? 



52 IIISTORI OP 

A, The Americans, under General Morgan 
gained a signal victory over the British, con' 
manded by Tarlton, in the battle of the Cow 
pens. 

Q. Which party gained the victory in th 
attle of Hobkirk's Hill ? 

A. The British, under Lord Bawdon. 

Q. "Who commanded the Americans ? 

A. Greneral Greene. 

Q. What occurred at Eutaw Springs, in South 
Carolina ? 

A. General Greene completely routed the 
main body of the British army. 

Q.. After this battle, where did Lord Corn- 
wallis fortify himself? 

A. Yorktown, in Virginia. 

Q. When General Washington hea.rd of the 
position of Cornwallis what did he do ? 

A. He left his camp at White Plains, crossed 
the Hudson with his army, and passing rapidly 
through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, he ar- 
rived at the head of Elk Biver, on his way to 
Yorktown. 

Q. By whom was he joined ? 

A. Marquis de Lafayette, with reinforcements. 

Q. While Washington was on his march, 
grhat pleasing intelligence did he receive ? 

A, He heard of the arrival of a French fleet 
under the command of Count de Grasse. 

Q. At the same time, what fleet appeared ofl 
the Capes? 

A. A British fleet under the command o' 
Admiral Greaves. 



THE UNITED STATER 53 

Q What action took place r 

A. A slight action took place between the 
'•wo fleets, in which the French .had the advan- 
tn|?e, Jind remained in possession of the Bay. 

Q In the mean time, what did General Wash- 
in ^rtoii do? 

A. He embarked his forces, and arrived a 
iforktown. 

Q. What was now commenced ? 

.4. A close siege was now commenced, and 
carried on with so much vigor, that Lord Corn 
wallis wa& obliged to surrender himself and his 
whole arraj to General Washington, as prisoners 
of war. 
. Q. When did this event take place 'I 

A. On the 19th of October, 1781. 

Q. What was the number of the l^rttish troops 
that surrendered ? 

A. They exceeded seven thousand. 

Q. What amount of military stores were taken? 

A. Seventy-five brass, and 169 iron cannon, 
7,794 muskets, 28 standari^s, besides many other 
Taluable articles, 

Q. What did General Washington do imme- 
diately after the surrender ../ Clornwallis ? 

A. lie ordered divine f^v.i-vm^p jo be performed 
ID the different brigades of tne army. 

Q. When the news of tnis glorious even 
reached Congress, what did liij^L body recom- 
mend ? 

.4. It recomiiiended a day of general thanks- 
giving throughout the United 8tatrs. 



54 UISTORY OF 

Q. After the surr.ender of Oornwallis, whal 
became of the British forces in the south ? 

A. They evacuated all their posts in Soutk 
Carolina and Georgia, and joined the main arnij 
in New York. 

Q. After this, what did Great Britain do ? 

A. She resolved to discontinue a war which 
had already exhausted the nation_, and reflected 
60 much discredit on her arms. 

Q. When were pacific overtures made to the 
American people ? 

A. Early in the spring of 1782, when both 
nations ceased from hostilities. 

Q. Who were the American commissioncra 
with whom the treaty of peace was negotiated? 

A. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry 
Larurens, and John Jay. 

Q. Where did they meet ? 

A. In the city of Paris. 

Q. When was the treaty concluded and 
signed ? * 

A. On the 30th of November, 1782, in which 
the United Colonies were admitted to bo '^Free 
Sovereign, and Independent States." 

Q. When was it ratified by the United States 

A, On the-3d of September, 1783. 

Q Where was Congress in session at that timt 

A. At Annapolis, in Maryland. 

Q. How long had the war lasted ? 

^4. About eight years. 

Q. What did the war cost Great Britain ? 

A. The sum of one hundred million pound* 
storting and 50,000 of licr sul^jocts. 



filE UNITED STATES &8 

Q. What took place on the 25th of No rem' 
r.er, 1783? 

A The British evacuated Now York, and 
•loneral Washington, accompanied hy Governor 
'JHnton, entered that city in triumph. 

Q. After peace was concluded, what did Gen 
ral Washington do? 

A. He resigned his military commission, and 
itired to his peaceful home at Mount Vernon, 
in Virginia. 

Q. About this time what society was formed ? 

A. The officers of the American army, before 
they separated, formed themselves into a society 
which they called Cincinnati, after CincinnatuSj 
tbe celebrated Roman General, who, after he 
had vanquished the enemies of his country, re- 
tired to his farm. 



CHAPTER XI. 



Adoption of the Constitution of the United States 
— Difficulties luitli France, &c. 

Q. Previous to the formation of the present 
V>nstitution, by what had the United States been 
CTorned ? 

A. By the Articles of Confederation. 

Q. "What have you to observe of them ? 

A, After the dangers of the war had passed 
.,vfay^ they were found whollj'. inyufllcicnt for the 



d6 history of 

Q What was determined on 1? 

A. The formation of a constitution, ^vhich 
might supply the deficiencies of the old one. 

Q Where did delegates assemble for thai 
purpose ? 

A. In the city of Philadelphia, on the 2ol 
f May, 1787. 

Q. Who was chosen president of this assembly 

A. General Washington. 

Q. How long did the delegates deliberate ? 

A. About four months. 

Q. After the delegates had agreed on the form 
of the constitution, what did they do ? 

A. Th(;y sent it to Congress, and by this body 
it was sent to the different States for their con* 
Bideration. 

Q. Was it accepted by all the States V 

A. No ; North Carolina and Rhode Island at 
first rejected it, but they afterwards adopted it. 

Q. By the constitution, in whom is the legis- 
lative power vested ? 

A. In a Congress, consisting of a Senate and 
House of Ecpresentatives. 

Q. Where did the first Congress meet V 

A. In the city of New York, in April, 1788 

Q. Who was elected the first President of th 
United States ? 

A.. General Washington, who was then in tht 
57th year of his age. 

Q. Who was chosen Vice President V 

A. John Adams, of Massachusetts. 

Q. Who were the other prominent officerH of 
iho '^overnmen^- ' 



THE UNITED STATES. 57 

A Alexander Hamilton was appointed Sec- 
retary of the Treasury ; Henry Knox, Secretary 
.3f War ; Edmund Randolph, Attorney General ; 
&nd John Jay, Chief Justice of the United States. 

Q. What were some of the first acts of Con- 
gress? 

A. They laid a duty on the importation Oi 
merchandise, and on the tonnage of vessels. 

Q. When was the United States Bank estab- 
lished ? 

A. In the year 1790, and was chartered for 
twenty years. , 

Q. What distinguished man died at this pe- 
riod? 

A. Doctor Franklin died at Philadelphia, 
while Governor of Pennsylvania, at the age of 
84 years. 

Q Wliat may be observed of Franklin ? 

A. He was a poor boy, and apprenticed to 
learn the art of printing, but by applying himself 
to study during his hours of leisure, he arose to 
eminence in science, and filled many positions 
jf honor and distinction among his countrymen. 

Q. Of what was he the discoverer ? 

A. He was the discoverer of the electrical 
^Tlality of lightning. 

Q. What useful invention followed this disco- 
fery? 

A. The lightning-rod. 

Q. What di«turbance took place about thia 
time? 

^4. The iphnbitants of the western part of 
Pcnnsylvanis '»"3rc highly incensed by certain 



68 HISTORY OP 

measures of Congress, for raising a revcuui; bj 
imposing a tax upon distilled spirits. 

Q. What did the President do ? 

A. Washington sent a military force into thai 
section of the State, but the difficulty was set 
led without bloodshed. 

Q. What troubles arose on the north -wosterf 
ontier ? 

A. War with the Indians. 

Q. What was the result of this war ? 

A. General Hamer was defeated by the In- 
iians, near Chilicothe, in Ohio ; after this, Gen- 
eral St. Clair, was sent against them with addi- 
tional forces, but he also was defeated near the 
Miami, leaving nearly 600 of his men dead upon 
the field. 

Q. What took place in 1794? 

A. The Indians were finally defeated by Gen* 
eral Wayne, who succeeded St. Clair, and com- 
pelled to sign a treaty of peace. 

Q. In what were the United States involved ! 

A. They were involved in difficulties, grow- 
ing out of the convulsion of Europe. 

Q. What did the French do ? 

A. They put their king to death, then abol 
shed the regal government, and established t 
lepublic on its ruins. 

Q. What did they look for from America ? 

A. They expected that the people of the 
United States would assist them, and sent oxe? 
w America Mr. Genet, as their agent. 

Q. What is said of the conduct of Genet? 

A. He conducted kunsclf with great haught) 



TUB tjnited states. 59 

ess, and treated the American Ilepublie like a 
ributary country ; his conduct was disavowed 
uy the French government, ancl Mr. Fauchct 
was sent over in his place. 

Q. "What course did Washington determine to 
ursue, during the distracting wars of Europe 

A. Ho determined to observe a strict iicu 
rality. 

Q,. How long was "Washington President of 
the United States? 

A. He served two terms, or eight years. 

Q. At the end of his second term, what did 
he do? 

A. He declined a re-election, issued a fare- 
well address to the American people, and re- 
tired from public life. 

Q, Who succeeded him in the office of Presi- 
Jent? 

A. John Adams, of Massachusetts. 

Q. Who was chosen "Vice President ? 

A. Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia. 

Q. During the administration of Mr, Adams,, 
what is said of France ? 

A, The French Directory made, with much 
Dsolence, certain unreasonable demands of the 
Jnited States, and assumed a hostile attitude. 

Q What did the United States do ? 

A They immediately took measures of de- 
'enee ; General Washington was appointed Com- 
mander-in-chief of the Army, and orders were 
given for the capture of French vessels. 

Q. What followed? 

A Commodore Truxton, commanded the 



60 UISTOBJf il9 

Oonstellation, American bhip-of-war, captured 
two French vessels. 

Q. What was the effect of these measures ? 

A. The French government was soon induced 
to make overtures of peace. 

Q. What happened about :his period.? 

A. The Republic was destined to mourn ths 
dca^h of General Washington. 

Q. When and where did Washington die ? 

A. On tie 14th of December, 1799, at Mouns 
Vernon, in the 68th year of his ago. 

Q. Of what disease did he die 'i 

A. He died of an inflammation of the throat, 
after an illness of only two days. 

Q. When and by whom was the city of Wash- 
ington laid out ? 

A. In 1791, by the distinguished man whose 
name it bears ? 

Q. When was the seat of government re 
moved to Washington ? 

A. In the year 1800. 

Q. What city had previously been the seat 
of government? 

A. The city of Philadelphia, for the space of 
ten years. 

Q. Who succeeded Mr. Adams as Prcsidonl 
©f the United States ? 

A. Thomas Jeffsrson, in 1801. 

Q. Who, at the same time, was choseii Vic<»" 
President ? 

A. Aaron Burr. 

Q. About this time, what new iource of vei 
ation arose? 



TIIK UNITED STATKb. tit 

A The piracies of the Barbary States. 

Q,. What did Tripoli demand? 

A. Certain tributes, which the United States 
refused to pay. 

Q. What followed ? 

A. Several vessels belonging to the Unite 
fcates were captured 

Q. In 1803, what took place? 

A. The American frigate F^hilaJcIphia. run 
aground near Tripoli, and all her officers and 
men were taken prisoners, and the vessel seized 
'by the Tripolitans. 

Q. How were the American prisoners treated ? 

A. The officers were treated as prisoners of 
<var, but the men were treated with the greatest 
cruelty ; they were chained to loaded carts, and 
compelled to drag them through the town. 

Q. In 1804 what took place? 

A. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur sailed into 
the very harbor of Tripoli, and burnt the frigate 
Philadelphia. 

Q. On what terms did the American prisoners 
obtain their liberty ? 

A. On the payment of sixty-thousand dollarg. 

Q. From what nation was the territory of 
iouisiana purchased ? 

A. From France, in 1803, for the sum of 
15,000,000. 

Q. Wliat took place in the year 1807 ? 

A, Aaron Burr was tried for conspiracy. 

Q. Of what was he accused ? 

A. He was accused of an attempt to separate 
^Ija Southern and Western States from the rest. 



82 HISTORY OP 

and to erect them into a sepaiare govornment 
the capital of which should be New Orleans. 

Q. What was the result of the trial ? 

A. He was acquitted for want of sufficleut 
evidence. 

Q. Who had been previously killed in a, due 
y Burr ? 

A. Alexander Hamilton, in 1804, at H<^okeB 
New Jersey. 

Q. What expedition was undertaken aboui 
this time ? 

A. An expedition was undertaken by Lewil 
and Clarke to explore the Missouri river ; they 
ascended that river, crossed the Kocky Mcun 
tains, reached the h^ad waters of the Colujubia, 
and descecded that river to the Pacific o«ean. 



rilE UNITED STATJi 



68 




Perry's Victory. 



CHAPTER XII. 
The Late War with England. 

Q. WuAT was the principal cause of the lato 
M'ar with England ? 

A. The. practice authorized by the British 
government of searching American vessels, and 
taking from them such persons as were though 
to bo witives of Great Britain. 

Q What have you to observe of this practice ? 

A. it was subject to great abuse, from the 
difficuBy of distinguishing between British de- 
serters and American seamen. Moreover, the 
British oiEcers were not always anxious to make 
this distinction, and on several occasions it was 



6*4 HISTORY OF 

Delieved that American citizens were compclle<i 
to serve in the British navy. 

Q. Was there any other cause ? 

A. Yes ; England blockaded the ports of her 
enemies^ and prevented American vessels fro 
entering ; thus violating the rights of neutra 
ations. 

Q. When was war declared ? 

A. On the 18th of June, in the year 1812. 

Q. Who was President at this time ? 

A. James Madison, who succeeded Thomas- 
Jefferson in 1809. 

Q. What was one of the first operations of 
the war ? 

A. The invasion of Canada by General Hull 

Q. What was the result ? 

A. On the 16th of August General Hull dis- 
gracefully surrendered his whole army into the 
hands of the British. 

Q. When Hull returned to the States, what 
followed ? 

A. He was immediately tried by u court-Tiiar- 
tial, found guilty of cowardice, and sentenced to 
bo shot. 

Q. Was this sentence carried into execution 

A. No ; on account of his age, and the serwce 
e had rendered during the Revolution, he wa 
piirdoned by the President ; but his name wa 
Btricken from the roll of officers. 

Q. On the 19th of August, what took place *» 

A. The American frigate Constitution, com- 
manded by Captain Hull, captured the British 



rilE UNITED STATES. 65 

t^^AtM Guerricre, after an action of only twentj 
minutes. 

Q. What was the loss on both sides ? 

A. The Guerriere lost fifteen killed and sixty- 
four \^ounded, and that of the Constitution was 
oven killed and seven wounded. 

Q. On the 25th of October, what naval vie 
«)ry was obtained? 

A. Commodore Decatur, commanding the 
American frigate United States, captured the 
British frigate Macedonian. 

Q. In this action, what was the loss on both 
sides? 

A. The British lost thirty-six killed, sixty- 
eight wounded ; the American loss amounted to 
FGveir killed and five wounded. 

Q. What did Captain Jones achieve ? 

A. Captain Jones, who commanded the Wasp, 
captured the Frolic, a British sloop-of-war ; but 
on the same day they were both captured by a 
British frigate. 

Q What took place in December ? 

A. The Constitution, then under command of 
Captain Bainbridge, captured the British frigate 
Java. 

Q. What was the first operation of the yea 
1813? 

A. A detachment of about 800 men under 
General Winchester was surprised and defeated 
by the British and Indians under General Proc- 
tor at Frenchtown. 

Q. What was the fate of those -^h^ surren- 
dered "? 



(i6 IIISTOJIY OF 

A. Thej were ncarlr all inhumanly massacred 
by Ibe Indians. 

Q. What took place in April ? 

A. York, the capital of Upper Canada, wa* 
taken by the Americans under General Pike. 

Q. What was the fate of General Pike ? 

A He was killed in the moment of victorj 
J the explosion of a magazine. 

Q. What took place in May ? 

A. An attack was made on Sackett's Harboi 
by the British, but they weiye repulsed by the 
Americans under General Brown. 

Q. By whom was the British brig Peacock 
captured ? 

A. By Captain Lawronoe, who commanded 
the Hornet. 

Q. To what vessel was Lawrence afterwards 
transferred ? 

A. To the Chesapeake. 

Q. By whom was the Chesapeake captured t 

A. By Captain Broke, who commanded the 
British frigate Shannon. 

Q. What was the fate of Captain Lawrence ? 

A. He fell mortally wounded in the beginning 
of the action. 

Q. What is related of him ? 

A. When carried below, wounded and bleed 
,ng, he was asked if the colors should be struck 
he replied, " No : they shall wave while I live;** 
and while he was able to speak he would exclaim. 
'* Don't give up the ship !" 

Q. What was th'e most brilliant acKjf vemcnf 
.)f this year ? 



rnE UNITED STATES 67 

A Perry s victory on Lake Eric 

Q. Can you describe the battle ? 

A. The flag ship of the Americans suffered 
<re;vereiy in the beginning of the action, and be- 
ing in a sinking condition, Perry descended into 
an open boat, and passing through a shower of 
balls, transferred his flag to another of his vessels 

Q. How long did the battle last ? 

A. It lasted about three hours. 

Q. What was the condition of the British 
Qoet? 

A. It was reduced almost to a tota4 wreck. 
. Q. After this victory what took place ? 

A. General Harrison embarked his forces, 
landed on the Canada shores, and defeated the 
British in the battle of the Thames. 

Q. In this battle who was killed? 

A. The celebrated Indian chief, Tecumseh, 
bv Colonci Johnson. 



68 



HISTOKY OV 




BombardiaeRt of Fort McHenry 

CHATTER XIII 

The Late War with England — wnc*ifdivi 

Q. What took plac« in July, 1814 V 

A. General Brown defeated the British in th« 

battle of Chippewa. 

Q. Who commanded the British 

A. General Drummond. 

Q. On the 25th of the same month what tool 
place ? 

A. Generals Brown and Scott defeated the 
British at the battle of Bridgewater. 

Q. What took place at Plattsburg, on Laku 
Ohamplain ? 

A. A brilliant victory was obtained over th* 
British fleet by the American sqtttidron ^cin 
tnnndod by Commodore McDonoUgh. 



THE UNITED STATKS. 09 

Q. What was the immber of men, and guns, 
(61 «ach fleet? 

A The British fleet carried 1,050 men, and 
§i *; ans ; while the American force amounted to 
cffi ;* 820 men and 85 guns. 

^. Wliat was the result of the battle? 

.. The British naval force on the Lake wx 
4 v^lly destroyed. 

Q. While the battle raged on the lake, what 
K ok place on land ? 

A. An attack was made on Plattsburg by the 
British, under the coiumand of Sir George Pre- 
?ost, but they were repulsed with a heavy loss. 

Q. What took place on the 24th of August ? 

J . The Americans were defeated at Bladens- 
burg. 

Q. Who were the respective commanders? 

A. General Ross commpnded the British, and 
General Winder was the American commander. 

Q. Who distinguished himself on the part of 
the Americans in this battle ? 

A. Commodore Barney, who commanded a 
Hmall band of marme>^ 

Q. After the uattJt'., what took place ? 

A. The BritisL jiiarched forward and took 
(XJssession of the city of Washington. 

Q. What buildings were ordered to be bur 
oy General lloss? 

A. The capitol, the treasury, war, and navy 
iffices. 

Q. What city was next attacked? 

A. The city of Baltimore. 

Q What took place on the 12th of September? 



rO HISTORi- OF 

A. The British landed at North Point, beivrvt 
the city, but were repulsed by the American.' 
under the command of General Strieker. 

Q What was the fate of General Ross 'r 

A. As he advanced at the head of his ariM_y 
e was killed by an American rifleman. 

Q. What was done by the British fleet ? 

A. It bombarded Fort McHenry for abou 
cwonty-four hours, without doing any i>iateria. 
injury. 

Q. What became of the British after the 
death of General Ross ? 

A. They abandoned their attempts on Balti- 
more ; and embarking on board their fleet, they 
moved down the bay. 

Q. Previous to this time, what took place ? 

A. Overtures of peace were made by the 
Prince Regent of England. 

Q. Who were the American commissioners 
appointed to negotiate a peace ? * 

A. They were Henry Clay, Jonathan Russell, 
John Quincy Adams, James A. Bayard, and 
Albert Gallatin. 

Q Where did they meet "? 

A. They met at Gh-ent. 

Q While negotiations were in progress, wha 
ook place in the South ? 

4 A large British force under General Pack 
enliam, made an attack upon the city of New 
)rlean3. 

Q. Who commanded the Americans? 

A. General Jackson. 

Q Of wliat did Jackson make a bre»siwo*Ji 



THE UNITED STATE?. 71 

A. Of bales of cotton. 

Q. When did the battle of New Orleans take 
p^ace? 

A. On the 8th of January, 1815. 

Q. What was the loss of the British ? 

A. They lost 700 killed, 1,400 wounded, an 
00 prisoners. 

Q. What was the loss of the Americans ? 

A. They lost only 7 killed and G wounded. 

Q. What was the fate of Generals Packcn- 
bam and Gribbs? 

A. They were both mortally wounded. 

Q. When was the treaty of peace concluded t 

A On the 24th of December, 1814. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
TJie National Bank, (^f 

Q. When was the National Bank re-chartered? 

A. In the year 1816, for twenty years, with 

capital of $35,000,000. 

Q. Who succeeded Mr. Madison ? 

A. Mr. Monroe, of Virginia, in 1817. 

Q. How long had Mr. Madison been Pregident 

A. Eight years. 

Q Where did Mr. Madison retire 'i 

A. lie retired to his residence in Vrrgmia, 
whert he died in 1836, at the age of 85 years. 

Q. When and by whom was Peco.tur killed in 
5 dnnl '^ 



72 HISTORY OP 

A. By Commodore Barron, in 1820. 

Q. "V\Tien and by what nation was Flori^o 
ceded to the United States ? 

A. In the year 1820, by Spain. 

Q. What sum was paid for it ? 

A. Five millions of dollars. 

Q. When was a territorial government cstab 
ished over Florida? 

A. In the year 1822. 

Q. What is the difference between States and 
t<irritories ? 

A. States elect their own governors, and send 
representatives to Congress, and territories do not 

Q. What ratio is at present established for the 
representation in Congress ? 

A. At the rate of one representative for ever 
93,000 inhabitants. 

Q. Therefore, how many inhabitants must \ 
territory have before it can become a State ? 

A. It must have at least 93,000. 

Q. What was the population of the Uniteo 
States in the year 1820 ? 

A. About nine millions five hundred thousand. 

Q. When was the colony of Liberia, in Africa, 
established ? 

A. In the year 1820. 

Q. What is the object of this settlement? 

A.. It is designed as a place for the coloniza 
tion of free Africans and emancipated slaves 
the United States. 

Q. What took place in the year 1824? 

A. The Marquis de l^afajette yisite4 tjie 
tp4 States. 



THE UNITED STATES. «8 

Q. How was he received ? 

A. He was received with every demonstration 
<* joy hy the people, and Congress voted him 
^0 hundred thousand dollars and 25,000 acres 
of land, as a testimonial of the gratitude of the 
United States. 

Q. Who succeeded Mr. Monroe as Presiden 
rf the United States ? 

A. John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, in 
1825. 

Q. For wha/. is the 4th of July, 1826, memo- 
rable ? 

A. For the death of the two ex-Presidents, 
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. 

Q. What was their respective ages ? 

A. Mr. Adams was 91, and Mr. Jefferson 83 
years of age. 

Q. I5y wliom was Mr. Adams succeeded in the 
office of President ? 

A. By General Andrew Jackson, in the year 
1829. 

Q. In 1832 what bill passed both houses of 
Congress ? 

A. A bill for re-chartering the United States 
Bank. 

Q. Was the bill signed by the President ? 

A. No : Jackson returned it to the House with 

fris objections, and declared that in his opinion 

he bank was inexpedient and unconstitutional, 

and therefore he would never sanction it by his 

Approval. 

Q. What was the consequence ? 

A. The National Bank, which had exist<jd for 



74 HISTORY OF 

forty-five years, was abolished at the expiratiou 
of its charter, in 1836. 

Q. By whom was General Jackson succeeded 
in the office of President ? 

A. By Martin Van Buren, of New York, is 
837, 

Q. How long had Jackson been President \ 

A. Eight years. 

Q. When and where did General Jackson die *t 

A. On the 8th of June, 1845, at his residence 
near Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of seventy- 
eight years. 

Q. By what was the administration of Mr 
Van Buren disturbed ? 

A. By the war with the Seminole Indians, 
Florida, who had committed the most fearf 
depredations on the inhabitants. 

Q. What was the name of their most cele 
brated chief? 

A. Osceola. 

Q. How was Osceola taken prisoner ? 

A. He came to the camp of the American 
under a flag of truce, and was detained by order 
of General Jessup ? 

Q Why was the flag of truce not respected ? 

A. Because Osceola was treacherous, and 
ould not be bound by any treaty. 

Q. When was the Seminole war terminated > 

A. It was terminated in the year 1840. 

Q. What was the population of the Uniteo 
States in 1840 ? 

A. It amounted to ^7 068,666 inhabitants. 



THE UNITED STATES. 75 

Q. By whom was Martin Van Buren suo- 
tfoeded ? 

A. By General Harrison, in 1841. 

Q Who, at the same time, was elected Vice- 
President? 

A John Tyler, of Virginia. 

Q. How long had Van Buren been President 

A. Only four years. 

Q. How long did General Harrison occupy 
the Presidential office ? 

A. Only one month. 

Q. When was he inaugurated? 

A. On the 4th of March, 1841. 

Q. When and where did he die ? 

A. On the 4th of the following April, in the 
presidential mansion at Washington. 

Q. On whom did the duties of President de- 
volve ? 

A. On the Vice-President, Mr. Tyler, who 
served out the remainder of the term. 

Q. In 1842, what important treaty was con- 
cluded hetween the United States and Great 
Britain V 

A. A treaty determining the boundary of 
Maine. 

Q. By whom was it negotiated ? 

A By Daniel Webster, Secretary of th 
Uniiod States, and Lord Ashburton, the British 
AJinister. 

Q. In 1848, what distm'bance occurred in the 
«?tate of Rhode Island ? 

A. An attem.pt was made by the people to 



76 HISTORY OP 

abolish the ancient charter, and to establish a 
constitution like the other States. 

Q. Had Rhode Island no constitution previous 
to this time ? 

A. No ; she was governed by the charter of 
"Charles TI, granted in the year 1663. 

Q Whart was the result? 

A. The constitutional party was unsuccessful 
and Thomas W. Dorr, whom they had elected 
governor, was tried, and condemned to imprison- 
ment for life. 

Q. Was this sentence carried into execution 1 

A. It was ; but Dorr was pardoned after lan- 
guishing in prison for several months. 

Q. By whom was Mr. Tyler succeeded in the 
office of President? 

A. By James K. Polk, of Tennessee, in I K4i> 

Q. Who was elected Vice-President? 

A George M Dallas, of Pennsylv&mA 



THE L'NITKD STATBB. 




Battle of Buona Vista. 



CHAPTER XV. 



tVAIl WITH MEXICO. 



Causes of the War — The Battle of Falo Alto — 
Battle of Resaca de la Fahna — Battle of Mon- 
icreif — Battle of Biiena Vista. 

Q. What was one of the principal causes of 
he war witli Mexico ? 

A. The admission of the Republic of Texa« 
r.to the Union. 

<j). What was Texas formerly? 

A. Texas was a jMexican province. 

Q. When did ir. heeoiijc independent of MoxioiiV 

A In the vav ie:^.n 



78 iiisroR"/ a? 

Q. W\i^t T?as the chief battlo during the waa 
of Texas with Mexico ? 

A. The battle of San Jacinto, in which Santa 
Anna, the President of Mexico, was taken pri- 
soner 

Q. When was Texas admitted into the Unit©* 
States ? 

A. In the year 1845. 

Q. How did this act displease Mexico ? 

Ji. In the first place, Mexico had never ae 
finowlcdged the independence of Texas ; anel 
secondly, Texas claimed a greater extent of ter- 
ritory than Mexico was willing to admit. 

Q. What was the original boundary betweei* 
the two countries ? 

A. Mexico held the river Nueces to be th* 
original boundary, but Texas maintained that 
.he Rio Grande, from its source to its mouth, 
was the correct boundary between the two coun- 
tries, and consequently claimed the territory 
between the two rivers. 

Q. With what boundary did the United States 
receive Texas into the Union ? 

A. With the Eio Grande as the Westcrr 
boundary. 

Q. What followed as a consequence on th 
admission of Texas ? 

A. It followed that the United States waf 
compelled to settle with Mexico^ the difficulty 
concerning the disputed territory. 

Q. What orders did General Taylor receive *' 

.4. lie was directed by the Pi-esident to take 
tip yome position west %f the river Nueces. ai3'^ 



THE UNITED STATEb. 79 

eo iiulvl liinisclf in leadlness to repel anj attemp* 
it L'ifa.sion by Mexico. 

Q. When and wliere was General Taylor born? 

A. General Zacliary Taylor was born in the 
/oar 1 790, in Orange county, Virginia. 

Q When did he enter the army ? 

A. He entered the army in the year 1808 
8 lieutenant ; and during the late war he wa^. 
promoted to the rank of Major, for his brilliant 
defence of Fort Harrison. 

Q. Where did he afterwards distinguish him- 
self? 

A. In the Indian war, in Florida. 

Q. When was he promoted to the rank of 
G eneral ? 

A. In the year 1840, and was appointed to the 
Rommand of the army in the South. 

Q. When did he receive the rank of Major 
General? 

A. Shortly after the commencement of the 
Mexican war. 

Q. W^here did General Taylor take up his po- 
sition ? 

A. He crossed the Colorado river, and took 
p a position at Point Isabel, where he erected 
fort, called Fort Polk. 

Q. What did he do on the 28th of March? 

A. He advanced towards the I\io Grande 
ok up a position opposite jMatamoras. and 
erected Fort Brown. 

Q. In the mean time, who was Jsont to Mexico, 
4S commissioner on the part of the United States'f 

J Mr. Slidell. 



1^0 HISTORY OJf 

Q What was tlio result ? 

A. The Mexicau governnient \^ould not 
ceive him, and he was compelled to return. 

Q. On the 24th of April, what took place 1 

A. General Arista, the commander of tbo 

exican forces, informed General Taylor that, h 
sidercd hostilities already commenced. 

Q. On the 29th of April, of what was General 
Tsylor informed ? 

^1. Ho was informed that Point Isabel was in 
danger of being taken by the enemy ; and he 
immediately set out to its relief 

Q. During his absence, what happened? 

A. Fort Brown was furiously attacked by tiio 
Mexicans. 

Q. On receiving intelligence of this, what did 
General Taylor do ? 

A. He immediately commenced his marob 
back to Fort Brown. 

Q. At Palo Alto, what took place? 

A. He was met by the Mexicans drawn up Id 
order of battle, and prepared to dispute his pro 
gress ? 

Q. What followed? 

A. A severe and obstinate battle followed, in 
vhich the Mexicans were defeated. 

Q. When did this battle take place ? 

A. On the 8th of May, 1846. 

Q. AVhat was the loss on both sides ? 

A. The Mexicans lost over 300 killed and 
wounded ; the American loss was 9 killed, and 
\2 wounded. 



THE UNITED STATES. 

Q. Among the Americans, what distinguished 
man was killed ? 

A. Major Einggold, the commander of the 
flying artillery. 

Q. When and where was the next battle 
ought ? 

A. On the next day, at a place called Resao 
le la Palm a. 

Q. What was the issue of this battle ? 

A.. The Mexicans were again defeated, and 
3ed with precipitation across the river to Mata- 
moras. 

Q. By what was this battle distinguished V 

A. It was distinguished by the desperate 
charge of Captain May, who, at the head of his 
dragoons, rode up to the very mouth of the ene- 
my's cannon, silenced the batteries, and took 
General Vega prisoner. 

Q. What did the Mexicans lose ? 

A. They lost the whole of then- artillery, 2,000 
Btand of arms, 600 mules, with the private pa- 
pers of General Arista. 

Q. What was the loss on both sides ? 

A. The Mexicans lost 800 in killed and 
«F0unded, while the Americans lost .^9 killed 
nd 82 wounded. 

Q. When did General Taylor take possession 
f the city of Matamoras ? 

A. On the 18th of May. 

Q. Where did General Taylor next direct his 
^arch ? 

A. To Monterey, the capital of New Jjcon, a 
jfjry situated about 170 miles frojni Matamoras 



82 QISTOfiV OP 

Q. What took place at this city ? 

A. A severe battle took place, which continued 
with but little intermission for three days. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle V 

A. The Mexicans were defeated, and tha c\iy 
purrendered to General Taylor. 

Q. What was the number of tho Mexicaa 
army? 

A. It numbered about 10,000 men while tlie 
forces under (leneral Taylor amounted to onl\ 
6,000. 

Q. What was the loss on both pides ? 

A. The Americans lost about 267 killed, and 
456 wounded; the Mexicans lost nearly ii.OOl 
killed and wounded. 

Q. When did this battle take place ? 

A. It commenced on the 21st and ende<i >i> 
ttie 23d of September, 1846. 

Q. Where was the next battle fought *? 

A. At a place called Buena Vista. 

Q. Who commanded the Mexicans »^ thi* 
battle ? 

A. General Santa Anna. 

Q. What was the number of the fc>vf(?s on 
each side? 

A. The Mexicans amounted to about 20 000 
men, while the forces under Gei^eral T^iylor 
amounted only to 5,000. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle ? 

A. The Mexicans were defeated witl ^ I.-^<«# 
•if nearly 2,000 in killed and wounded. 

Q. What was General Taylor's loss ? 

A. He lost 267 killed, and 456 wound'-** 



THli; UNITED STATKS. 88 

Q. Can you mention the names of some of 
ur officers who fell ? 

A. Yes : among them were Colonels McKee, 
larden, Fell, Davis, and Clay. 

Q. When did this battle take place ? 

A. It took place on the morning of the 23 
)f February, 1847. 

Q. Can you relate any incident of this battle. 

A. While the battle raged in all its fury, xMr. 
Crittenden was sent with some message to the 
Mexican camp ; while there, GenoKal Santa Anna 
told him if General Taylor would surrender, he 
irould be protected. Crittenden coolly replied. 
'* General Taylor never surrenders.^^ 

Q. While these things were going on, what 
ither achievements were accomplished ? 

A. General Kearney, after a march of nearly 
one thousand miles through the wilderness, en- 
tered the city of Santa Fe, and took formal po»« 
^ssioQ of Nsw Mexico, without opposition. 



84 



AISTOEX Jtt 




Batde of Oerro Gordo. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



WAR WITH MEXICO— CONTINUED. 

General Scott — Surrender of Vera Cruz — BaitU 
of Cerro Gordo — Battle of Contreras — Batd4 
of Churuhnsco — Surrendei' of the City of 
Mexico. 

Q. In the mean time what took place ? 

A. In the mean time General Scott was or 
dered to take command of the forces of the Lni 
ted States in Mexico 

Q. When and where was General Scott born * 

A. General Winfield Scott was born in the 
year 1786, near Petersburg, in Virginia. 



THE UNITED STATES. 85 

Q. Wlien did he receive a commission in the 
irmy ? 

A. In the year 1808, he received a captain's 
consmission, and by his bravery and talents he 
has risen to his present distinguished post of 
comraander-in-chief of the United States forces. 

Q. What was the first operation of General 
Bcott after he arrived in Mexico ? 

A. His first operations were directed a-gainst 
the city of Vera Cruz. 

Q. When and oy whom was the city of Vera 
Cruz founded ? 

A. It was founded in the year 1519 by Her- 
nando Cortez, the early conqueror of Mexico. 

Q. By what celebrated fortress was the city 
defended ? 

A. By the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, situ- 
ated on a small island opposite the city. 

Q. How did General Scott efiect the reduc- 
tion of the city ? 

A. He landed his troops below the city and 
placed his batteries in such a position that the 
place was soon compelled to surrender. 

Q. Before commencing operations, what did 
he do? 

A. He sent a summons to the Mexican com 
jaander to surrender the city, at the same tim 
permitting all the inhabitants who desired it to 
retire with their property. 

Q. When did the city surrender V 

A. On the 27th of March, 1847. 

Q. After the capture of Vera Cruz, where did 
ft<meral Scott direct his march ? 



8G iirsTouf OP 

A. Towards the middle of April, he left Vera 
Cruz, and directed his march towards the city 
of Mexico. 

Q. Where did the Mexicans assemble to op 
pose his march ? 

J. At a place called Cerro Gordo. 

Q. What followed ? 

A A desperate ba-ttle followed, in which th 
Mexicans were again defeated. 

Q. What was the loss on each side ? 

A. The Mexicams lost 1,200 in killed and 
wounded; the loss on the part of our army, 
amounted to 63 killed, and 368 wounded. 

Q. How many Mexicans were taken prisoners! 

A. About 3,000, and among them were 28J« 
officers, and 5 generals. 

Q. What is related of Santa Anna? 

A. He escaped from the field of battle, leaving 
nis carriage^ and even his wooden leg, in thf 
hands of the enemy. 

Q. "Vyhen did this battle take place ? 

A. On the 17th and 18th of April, 1847. 

Q. After this battle what did General Scott do? 

A. Without delay, he marched forward, and 
took possession of the cities of Jalapa, Peroto 
nd finally that of Puebla. 

Q. Where is the cities of Jalapa and Perots 

A. Jalapa is situated on the road to the city 
of Mexico, about fifty miles from Vera Cruz 
and Perote is situated about sixty miles froiu 
the coast, and was defended by a strong fortres-s 

^. What did the Americans obtain by tb 
nurrendor of this city? 



TH30 ONITED STATES. 87 

A Tfco fortress was abandoned at the ap- 
(ttoaci of the Americans, leaving behind 64 
pieces of cannon, 11,065 cannon balls, 14,800 
bombs, aad 500 muskets. 

Q. Where is Puebla situated ? 

A. Puebla is situated about sixty nwles from 
he city of Mexico, and one hundred and eighty 
ix from Yera Cruz. It is a very handsome city, 
*.nd contains about 80,000 inhabitants. 

Q. Where did the next battle take place ? 

A. At a place called Contreras. 

Q. Where is Contreras ? 

A. It is a lofty eminence, not far from the 
eity of Mexico. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle? 

A. The Mexicans were defeated with a loss 
of 700 killed, and 813 taken prisoners. 

Q. When did this battle take place f 

A. On the 20th of August, 1847. 

Q. What place was next attacked ? 

A. The fortifications of Churubusco. 

Q. How was the place defended ? 

A. It was defended by General Santa Anna 
. the head of 25,000 men, strongly intrenched 

Q. Describe the battle ? 

A. The battle, which continued three hours 
\ i^ furious in the extreme ; at length the seal 

victory turned in favor of the Americans. 
1 le Mexicans fled, leavmg their fortifications io 
fc] hands of bne enemy. 

V?. What. Was ihe loss on each side ? 

A. The Mvxieans lost 600 in killed and 
wounded, ana i.lOO prisoners; but the Ameri- 



88 niSTOEY OP 

can loss amounwd to over 1,000 in killed aul 

wounded. 

Q When did this battle take place ? 

A. On the 20th of August, the same da? 
with the battle of Contreras. 

Q After the battle, what did Gen. Scott do 

A. He proposed an armistice, that the Mexi 
n government might treat with our commis 
eioner, Mr. Trist. 

Q. Was the armistice accepted ? 

A. It was; but General Scott, finding thai 
the Mexicans were secretly fortifying the City, 
declared the armistice at an end, after it had 
continued about 12 days. 

Q. What followed? 

A. Hostilities were immediately renewed 
with redoubled energy on both sides. 

Q. What was the first place of attack after 
the renewal of hostilities ? 

A. A strong fortress called Molino del Jley 
or the King's Mill. 

Q. How was it defended ? 

A. It was defended by ten pieces of artillery, 
and 10,000 men. 

Q. What was the number of our forces? 

A. About 4,000 men. 

Q. What was the issue of the battle Y 

A. After a dreadful conflict of three hours 
the Mexicans fled, leaving the fortress in th 
hauds of the Americans. 

Q. What place was next attacked ? 

A. The fortress of Chapuitepec, which wa» 
considered as the key to the oUy of Mexico. 



THE nNITED STATES. 8^ 

Q What was the result? 

A. After a bloody contest of several hours, the 
fortress was surrendered to the valor of our arms 

Q. What followed the taking of this fortress ? 

A. Jt was followed by the reduction of the 
ity of Mexico. 

Q. When did this event take place ? 

A. On the morning of the 15th of September 
1847, our troops entered the city, and at 7 
o'clock, our banner, for tlie first time, waved in 
triumph over the Mexican capital. 

Q. Where is the city of Mexico situated? 

A. The city of Mexico is situated in a beauti- 
"ul valley, about 252 miles from Vera Cruz. It 
tands upon nearly the same ground as that of 
the ancient city which was conquered by Cortez. 

Q. W^hat is its present population ? 

^1. It contains about 200,000 inhabitants. 

Q. AVhen our troops entered the city what 
oecame of General Santa Anna ? 

A. The night previous to its suj'render, he 
ascaped, and retired to Guadaloupc. 

Q. When and where was a tycaty of peace 
concluded ? 

A. On the 2d of February, 1848, a treaty of 
»eace was signed by the commissioners of both 
ations, at the city of Guadaloupc Hidalgo. 

Q. When and where was it ratified ? 

A. It was ratified by both governments on the 
30th of May, 1848, at Queretaro. 

Q, By this treaty what is the present boun- 
liury between the two republics? 

A. 'f'he boin-.d;!! V iiM'j connMericfr! in the Gulf 



90 HISTORY OV 

of Mexico, three leagues from land, and pi-oceedf 
thence up the middle of the Rio Grande to the 
Bouthern boundary of Mexico ; thence to its wes- 
tern termination ; thence along its western line 
until it intersects the river Gila ; thence down 
hat river until it empties into the Rio Colorado 
hen across the Colorado^ following the line of 
division between Upper and Lower California 
to the Pacific ocean. 

Q. What territory did the United States ac- 
quire by this treaty ? 

A. The whole of New Mexico and Uppei 
California. 

Q. By whom was James K. Polk succeeded 
in the office of President ? 

A. J3J CJeneral Zachary Taylor. 

Q. How long was General Taylor President 1 

A. He succeeded Mr. Polk on the fourth of 
March, in 1849, and died on the 9th of July, 
1850, having been President one year, four 
months, and four days. 

Q Who then succeeded in the Presidency ? 

A Millard Fillmore, of New York. 

Q. When was California admitted into the 
Union ? 

A. In 1850, making the number of the States 
thirty-one. 

Q. Who succeeded Mr. Fillmore in the office 
of President ? 

A. Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire. 

Q. Who was elected Vice-President ? 

A. William R. King, of Alabama, who died 
Rfiortly after h^^s election 



GBNEKAL QUESTIONS 

ON TH« 

Constitution of t|t MmttH Statts 



• Q. What is the Constitution of the United 
States ? 

A. It is a written instrument containing the 
general laws that govern the States in the rela- 
tion they bear to each othfer. 

Q. According to the constitution, of what 
branches does the Congress of the United States 
consist ? 

A. In a Senate and House of Representatives. 

Q. Of what persons is the Senate composed ? 

A. It is composed of two Senators from eacb 
State. 

Q. In what manner and for what period are 
zhey chosen ? 

A. They are generally chosen by the Legis- 
lature of their respective States, and serve foiV 
term of six years. 

Q. How are they divided ? 

•A. They are divided into three classes. 

Q. How are their seats vacated ? 

A. The seats of the first class ar.e vacated at 
he expiration of two years ; the seats of the 
<fccnd clap? nt thr^ cxDiration of four years ; and 



dti 0.UES'I10N3 ON 

those of tho third class at the expiration of sis 
years, so that one-third are chosen every second 
year. 

Q. When vacancies occur in the Senate during 
the recess of the Legislature of any State, ho^ 
are they filled ? 

A. They are filled by the Governor of tlw 
State where the vacancy occurs.' 

Q. Kow old must a man be before he can 
serve as Senator ? 

A. He must have attained the age of thirty- 
five years. 

Q. Who is the President of the Senate ? 

A. The Vice-President of the United States. 

Q. Of what persons is the House of Kepre- 
sentatives composed V 

A. It is composed of members chosen by the 
people of the several States, every second year 

Q. What are the qualifications necessary for 
n representative? 

A. He must be twenty-five years of axije, and 
a citizen of the United States, also an inhabitant 
of the State in which he is chosen. 

Q What number of inhabitants sends one 
representative to Congress ? 

A. The number of inhabitants assigned to one 
member of Congress is at present about 93,000. 

Q. How is the Speaker of the House of Rep- 
resentatives chosen ? 

A. By the majority of tho voter: of the wcoi 
bers of the House. 

Q. What compensation do the members ^tk 
..donate and House of llepreseutu lives recci^ ^ 



THE CONSTITUTION. 93 

A They receive each eight dollars a day 
sfhile Congress is in session. 

Q. When and where does Congress meet ? 

A. In the city of Washington, on the first 
Monday of December, each year. 

Q. What privileges have the Senators and 
ilepresentatives ? 

A. They are privileged from arrest in all 
bases, except treason, felony, and breach of the 
peace, during their attendance at the session of 
their respective houses, and in going to and re- 
turning from the same. 

Q. Can you mention the chief powers of Con- 
gress ? 

A. Congress has power to lay and collect 
taxes, duties, and imports ; to pay debts, and 

?rovide for the defence and welfare cf the Union, 
'o borrow money ; to regulate commerce ; to 
coin money and regulate the value thereof; to 
establish uniform naturalization laws ; to estab- 
lish post offices and post roads ; to declare war ; 
to raise and support armies; to provide and 
maintain a navy ; and make all laws which shall 
be necessary for carrying into execution all the 
powers vested by the constitution in the govern- 
ment of the United States. 

Q. Can Congress make any law respectin 
religion ? 

A. No ; Congress caai make no law respecting 
•cligion, or to prohibit the freo exercise thereof 

Q. In what else is Congress restricted ? 

A. Congress cannot pass any laws abridgmg 
'\q freedom of speech, or of the press, or to pro- 



94 QUESTIONS ON 

vent the people from assembling peaceably, Oi 
to petition the government for a redress of grie- 
vanoes. 

Q. In whom is the executive power vested \ 

A. In the President of the United States. 

Q. What are the necessary qualifications of • 
andidate for the office of President ? 

A. He must be a natural-born citizen, ovei 
thirty-five years of age, and fourteen years a 
resident within the United States. 

Q. How is the President chosen ? 

A. The people of the different States elect 
persons called electors, who vote for the Presi- 
dent and Vice-President. 

Q. Where, and in what manner do the electors 
vote? 

A. They vote in their respective States, then 
seal and transmit the result to the seat of gov- 
ernment, directed to the President of the Senate 
of the United States ; and the person having 
the highest number of votes for President, ia 
declared President : and the person having the 
highest number of votes for Vice-President, is 
declared Vice-President. 

Q. How often does an election take place foi 
resident and Vice-President? 

A. Every four years, but they may be re-elected 

Q. In case of the removal of the Presiden 
fr-mi office, by death or any other cause, od 
wliom shall the duties of the President devolve ? 

A. On the Vice-President, who becomes Presi 
dent, and shall serve out the term the PresaAa^i^ 
bad to serve. 



THE CONSTITUTION. 95 

y In case of the death, or removal from office 
% .5oth PresicJent and Vice-President, on whom 
«rwald the duties of the ofl&ce devolve ? 

A. The Congress would be obliged to declare 
vhat officer should act as President, until a 
'•/resident could be elected. 

Q. What salary does the President receiv 
Annually ? 

A. Twenty-five thousand dollars. 

Q. What does the Vice-President receive ? 

A. Sixteen dollars per day. 

Q. Before entering on the duties of his office, 
wliat oath does the President take ? 

A. The following : " I do solemnly swear 
(or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office 
of the President of the United States, and will, 
to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and 
defend the Constitution of the United States." 

Q. What are the chief powers invested in the 
President ? 

A. The President is commander-in-chief of 
he army and navy of the United States; he has 
power to grant reprieves and pardons for offisncea 
against the United States. He has power, with 
eonsent of the Senate, to make treaties, to ap- 
ooint ambassadors, consuls and other publio 
ministers, judges of the Supreme Court, &c., and 
fill all vacancies that may happen during the 
■ecess of the Senate : he may, on extraordinary 
jccasions, convene both houses of Congress, and 
in case of a disagreement between them as tc 
the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them 
to such time as he may think proper 



96 DESTIONS OW TUB CONSTITUTION. 

Q. For what offences may the President anc 
Vice-President be removed from office ? 

A. For treason, bribery, or other high crimei 
and misdemeanors. 

Q. In what is the judicial power of the Unite 
States vested ? 

A. In one Supreme Court, and such inferio) 
jourts as Congress may ^ink proper to establish 

Q. How long do tit judges of the United 
States' Courts hold their offices ? 

A. For life, or during good behaviour. 

Q. What is the extent of their powers ? 

A. Their power extends to all cases in l&\t 
and equity arising under the Constitution, the 
i-aws of the States, and treaties made under theii 
authority. 

Q. What does the Constitution say concern- 
ing new States ? 

A. It provides that new States may be admitr 
ted into the Union by the consent of Congress. 

Q. What does the Constitution guarantee to 
each of the States ? 

A. It guarantees to each a republican form 
of government, and to protect each against 
foreign invasion and domestic violence. 

Q. How may the Constitution be amended ? 

A. It may be altered or amended by the votei 
of two-thirds pf both houses, at any session of 
Congress : or, on the applicatien of the legisla- 
tures of two-thirds of the several States, Congress 
would be obliged to call a convention to alt«r or 
amend the Constitution. 



GENERAL QUESTIONS 

» n ihe Constitutions ami Government of the 
principcd States of the Union. 



MAINE. 



Q. How is the leqislotive power of this Stat 
fivided ? 

A. It is divided into two branches ; a senate 
And house of representatives. 

Q. How are the senators and representatives 
chosen ? 

A, They are elected by the qualified voters of 
the districts into which the State may be, from 
time to time., divided. 

Q. What are their qualifications ? 

A. They must be citizens of the State ona 
year, and 25 years of age. 

Q. In whom is the executive authority placed ? 

A. In a governor, who is elected by the peo 
pie, and holds his office for one year. 

Q. What are his qualifications? 

A. He must be a citizen of the State for on? 
year, and 80 years of age. 

Q. What is said of the judiciary f 

A. The judiciary is vested in a supreme court 
nd such other courts as the legislature may es- 
ablish? 

Q. How are the judges created ? 

A: They are appointed by the governor, and 
hold their office during good behaviour, but not 
beyoad the age of 75 years. 

7 97 



08 GENEllAL QUESTIONS Ox\ THE 

Q. What is said of the right of suffrage? 

A. The right of suffrage is granted to evei-y 
mal-e citizen of 21 years of age and upwards, 
who has resided in the State for three yeara 
previous to the election. 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Q. What is said of the legislature? 

A. The legislature is divided into two branches, 
styled the General Court of New Ilamjpshire. 

Q. What must be the qualifications of repre- 
sentatives ? 

A. They must have been inhabitants two years, 
and have an estate of ^333 o3J ; one-half c 
which must be freehold. 

Q. What are the qualifications of senators 

A. Persons eligible to the senate, must have 
a freehold of $666 66 J ; be 30 years of age, and 
have resided in the State for seven years. 

Q. What are the qualifications of governor? 

A. He must have an estate of $1,666 66f t 
one-half of which must be freehold ; and a resi- 
dence in the State of seven years. A council of 
five is elected by the people to advise and a*sisi 
the governor. 

Q, What is said of the judiciary ? 

A. The judiciary is the same as in Maine, ex 
oept the age of the judges is limited to 70 years 

Q. What is said of the right of suffrage ? 

A. This right is granted to all male citizens 
of 21 years of age and upwards, paupers and 
persons excused from paying taxes, excepted 



CONSTITUTIONS OF TUE STATES. 99 

VERMONT. 

Q. What is said of the legislature f 

A. The legislature consists of two branches, 
» /led the General Assemhly of Vermont. 

Q. What are the qualifications of senators and 
representatives ? 

A. Two years' residence in the State, and one 
year in the township which they represent. No 
property qualification is required. 

Q. In whom is the executive authority placed V 

A. In the governor, and a council of twelve 
elected by the people. 

Q. What is said of the judiciary ? 

A. The judiciary consists of a Supreme Court 
of five judges, and a County Court of three 
judges for each county. 

Q. How do they receive their appointment ? 

A. They are elected by the legislature. 

Q. What may be said of the right of suffrage? 

A. The right of suflfrago is extended to all 
male citizens of the age of 21 years and upwards, 
who Iiavc resided one year in the State. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Q What is the legislature of this State styled 

A The General Court of Massachusetts. 

Q What arc the qualifications of represen- 
?ativc€ and senators ? 

A. Representatives must have resided one 
fear in the town in which they are chosen, and 
Dossess a frccliold of §333 331, or taxable pro* 



100 GENERAL QUESTIONS 0.^ TIIE 

perty to the amount of J666 66 J. Senators must 
have resided five years in the district in which 
they are chosen, and possess a freehold o^ 
$1,000, or taxable property of $2,000. 

Q. In whom is the executive authority placed 

A. In a governor, a lieutenant governor, and 

council of nine. The governor and lieutennnt 
governor must have resided seven years in the 
State, and must possess a freehold of $333 33| 

Q. What is said of the judiciary ? 

A. The judiciary of this State consists of a 
Supreme Court and Courts of Common Pleas. 
The judges are appointed by the governor, with 
the advice and consent of his council, and hold 
their office for life, or during good beha\aour. 

Q. What is said of the right of suffrage ? 

A. This right extends to all the male citizens 
of 21 years of age and upwards, who have re- 
sided in the State one year, and six months in 
the district in which they claim a right to vote, 
and who have paid a tax to the State within two 
years, unless exempted from taxation. 

CO,NNECTICUT. 

Q. How is the legislature of this State divide<i 
A. Into two branches, styled the General A3 

tembly of Connecticut. 

Q. Who is invested with the executive power 
A. The governor, who must be 30 years of 

age to render him eligible. ^ 

Q. What may be said of the judiciary of this 

State Y 



CONSTITUTIONS OF THE STATE'S. 101 

A. The judiciary consists of a supreme court 

of errors, a superior court, and such other courta 

AS the legislature may from time to time establish. 

Q. What may be observed of the right ol 

uffrage ? 

A. This right extends to all white male citi 
ens of 21 years of age and upwards^ who hav 
esided in the State six months, and have a free- 
old of $7 yearly value, or who have paid a tas 
or performed military duty for one year. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

Q. What is said of the legislature of this State? 

A. The two branches are styled the General 
Assem^jly; and when acting jointly, they are 
styled the Grand Committee. 

Q. In whom is the executive power placed ? 

A. [n a governor and lieutenant governor, 
«vho ftre annually elected by the people : the 
formw of whom, is president of the senate. 

0. What is said of the judiciary ? 

A. The judiciary consists of one supremo 
tfourt, and such other inferior courts as the legis- 
ure may ordain. The judges are elected by the 
Grand Committee, and hold their office durin 
ood behaviour. 

Q. What is said of the right of suffrage ? 

A. The right of suffrage extends to every male 
citizen of the United States, of twenty-one years 
of age and upwards, who has resided two yeara 
in the State and six months in the place where 
ho intends to vote 



102 GUNERAL QUESTIONS ON TBB 

Q. What qualifications are required of voters 1 
A. A citizen, to be entitled to a vote, must 
have registered his name at the office of the town 
or city clerk at least seven days before the elec 
tion ; must have paid within a year a tax of on 
dollar, or have done military duty at least on 
day within the year preceding the election. 
Q. What is required of naturalized citizens 
A. In addition to the foregoing qualificatioris, 
naturalized citizens are required to possess real 
estate in the city or town worth $134 over all 
incumbrances ; or other propei'ty which rents for 
J7 per annum. 

NEW YOKK. 

Q. What is said of the legislature of thil 
State ? 

A. In the house of representatives, called thd 
Assembly, the members are chosen by counties 
and are apportioned according to the population 
The senators are chosen by districts. 

Q. What are the qualifications of governor 
and lieutenant governor? 

A. They are required to be native born citi- 
zens and freeholders, of thirty years of age, and 
have resided in the State five years. 

Q. How is the judiciary regulated ? 

A. The judiciary consists of a supreme court 
and circuit and county courts. The judges ot 
all the courts are appointed by the governor, and 
hold their office during good behaviour, but not 
ifter they are sixty yeiirs of age^ cspopt th< 



CO'I^STifUTIONS OF THE STATUS. 103 

m«gMs of the county courts, who arc only ap- 
pointed for five years. 

Q. What may be observed of the right of suf- 
frage ? 

A. This right extends to all white male citi- 
ens, who have resided m the State one year 
nd six months in the county in which they in 
and to vote, provided they have paid a county 
OY State tax within one year, or performed mili- 
tary duty. Colored men have a right to vote if 
tiiey have resided in the State three years, and 
^ )ssess a freehold to the value of $250. 

NEW JERSEY. 

Q. What may be observed of the legislature 
A this State ? 

A. It is vested in a council and general as- 
fcembiy. 

Q. What are the qualifications of the members? 

A. The council consists of one member from 
each county, who must be worth $3,333 33J ; 
I he members of the assembly are elected from 
die counties, and must be worth $1,666 66|. 

Q. Who is the executive officer ? 

A. The governor, who is president of th 
oun^il, and chancellor of the State. 

Q How are the judges chosen ? 

A By the legislature ; those of the supremo 
.Quxi for seven years, but the other judges for a 
Aort r period. 

Q. \Vhat is said of the right of suffrage ? 

A This ri;];] it extends to all citizens who liave 



104 G'ENEUAL QCESTIOlsa UN TMB 

resided in the State one year, and five montBtf 
i^ the township in which they claim to vote. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Q. What is said of the legislature ? 

A. The legislature consists of two house* 
tylcd the General AssemUj/. 

Q. WYint are the qualifications of the members*' 

A. Senators must be twenty-five years of age. 
and have been citizens and inhabitants of thn 
State four years; representatives require the 
pame qualifications. 

Q. In whom is the executive power placed ? 

A. In a Goveraor, Avho must be thirty years 
af age ; he holds his ofl^ce for three years. 

Q. What may be said of the judiciary of this 
State? 

A. The judiciary consists of one supremo 
f^ourt and several inferior courts. The judges 
p.rd chief officers of tho courts are elected by tb» 
peop^ 

Q To whom does the right of suffrage cjr 
tend? 

A. Thh right extends to all white male citj 
zens who iiave resided two years in the State 
nd who p^v tiises. 

DELAWARE 

Q. What niay be said of the government ol 
tliis State ? 

A. The government of this State \» weariy tht 
^ame as that of Penn«!ylvania except- that ti:t/ 



CONSTITUTIONS Of THE BIATES. 105 

indges and State officers generally are appointed 
by the governor. 

MARYLAND. 

Q. What is the legislature of this State styled 

A. The two branches of the legislature ar 
f«yled the General AssemUy of Maryland. 

Q. What are the qualifications requisite for 
senators and representatives ? 

A. They must be citizens of the United States, 
«nd have resided three years in the State, and 
one year in the county or city which they repre- 
sent ; a senator must be twenty-five, and a re- 
presentative twenty-one years of age. 

Q. In whom is the executive authority vested? 

A. In a governor, who is elected for a term 
*f four years. 

Q. What are the qualifications of governor 

A. He must be thirty years of age, and a citi- 
zen of the United States for five years, five suc- 
cessive years a resident of the State, and three 
years a resident of the district from which he is 
selected. 

Q. What may be observed of the judiciary of 
Maryland ? 

A. The judiciary consists of a court of appeals 
sircuit court.s, and courts for the city of Balti- 
uaore. The judges and all the principal officers 
of the courts are elected by the people. 

Q. For Y»'hat period are the judges elected ? 

A. For ten years, except the judges of tha 
mphans' court, who are to serve four years 



10f« GENERAL QUESTIONS ON THE 

Q. What is said of the right of suffrage f 
A. This right extends to all the white mai« 
citizens, who have resided in the State one yeai 
and six manths in the county or city where thoj 
intend to vote. 

VIEGINIA. 

Q. Of what does the legislature consist? 

A. It consists of a senate and house of repre- 
sentatives, styled the General Assembly of Vir- 
ginia. 

Q. Who exercises the executive authority ? 

A. The executive authority is vested in a gov- 
ernor and a council of three, the elder of whom 
is lieutenant governor. 

Q. What do you observe of the judiciary f 

A. The judges and the attorney general are 
chosen by the joint vote of both houses, and hold 
their office during good behaviour. 

Q. What is said of the right of suffrage f 

A. This right extends to all white male citi- 
zens of legal age, who hold a freehold of $25, or 
who are house-keepers, or heads of families, and 
pay taxes. The voting is by viva voce, and no 
y ballot. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

Q. Of what is tlie legislature of this Stat 
eomposed ? 

A. It is composed of a senate and house of 
tonimons, styled together the General Assemba> 

Q. How are the members chosen ^ 



CONSTITUTIONS OP THK STATES. 107 

A. Each county, elects one senator and two 
representatives, who must be freeholders, and 
have a residence of one year. 

Q In whom is the executive power vested ? 

A. In a council of seven, and in a governor, 
f \9 must be a freeholder, thirty years of a^e 
w 'I resident of five years. 

. Q. "What is said of the judges? 

A. The judges are elected by the legislature, 
nd hold their office during good behaviour. 

Q. What may be said of the right of suffrage? 

A. This right extends to all white male citi- 
zens. Those who pay taxes, are entitled to vote 
for members of the house of commons; but it 
requires a man to possess a freehold of 50 acres 
of land to entitle him to vote for senators. 

SOUTH CAllOLINA. 

Q. "What is the nature of the constitution of 
this State ? 

A. The constitution of this State is very simi- 
lar to that of North Carolina. The governor 
eione, is the executive officer; a lieutenant gov- 
•^rnor is also elected, but he has no power unloss 
»he office of Governor becomes vacant. 

GEORGIA. 

. Q. What may be said of the legislature oi 
fhis State? 

A. The mei?ibers of the senate and house an? 
elected from the counties^ according to the whito 
population, and adding thereto, two-6fths of th-e 
people of en] 0.1 



108 GENERAL QUESTIONS ON THE 

Q. What are the qualifications of representa- 
feives and senators ? 

A. Representatives must be 21 years of age, 
7 years a eitizen of the United States, 3 of the 
State of Georgia, and possess a freehold of $200 
or taxable property worth $500; Senators mua 
be 25 years of age, 9 years citizens of the United 
States, and possess a freehold of $500, or $2,000 
worth of taxable property. 

Q. What are the qualifications of the governor? 

A. He must be 30 years of age, and a free- 
holder of 600 acres of land, or other property tc 
the amount of $4,000. 

Q. How are the judges chosen ? 

A. They are elected by the legislature for > 
term of three years. 

Q. What is said of the right of suffrage ? 

A. This right extends to all white male citi 
zens of 21 years and upwards, who pay taxes 

KENTUCKY. 

Q. How is the legislature divided V 

A. Into two houses, styled the General As 
temhly of the Gommonweath of Kentucky. 

Q. Who are the executive officers ? 

A. The governor and lieutenant governor, tb 
atter of whom is president of the senate. 

Q. What is said of the judiciary? 

A. The judiciary is the same as in Massachu 
setts. 

Q. To whom does the right of suffrage extend. 

A. This right extends to all white male cjtj 
zens of legal ago 



CONSTITUTIONS OP TUB STATES. 109 

Q. What State has a constitution similar to 
Kentucky? 

A. Tennessee ; only the judges are elected 
by the legislature. 

OHIO. 

Q In what is the legislative authority of thi 
i&tQ vested ? 

A. In a General Assembly, which consists of 
a BCD ate and house of representatives. 

Q. What are the necessary qualifications of a 
senator or representative ? 

A. A senator must be 35 years of age, two 
years within the county from which he is elected, 
and have paid a state or county tax. A repre- 
sentative must be 25 years of age, a resident of 
thft county from which he is chosen, and have 
paiQ a state or county tax. 

Q. In whom is the executive power vested ? 

1. In a governor, who must be 30 years of age. 

Q. What is said of the judiciary V 

A. The judiciary of this State is vested in a 
tupreme court and courts of common pleas, the 
fudges of which are elected by the legislature 

Q. What is said of the light of suffrage ? 

A. This right extends to all white male citi 
ens of legal age, who have paid a State o 
ounty tax. 

INDIANA. 

Q What is said of the legislature ? 
A. It is styled the General Assembly, the 
mtimbers of which are elected from the countietr 



110 GENERAL QUESTIONS ON THB 

according to the number of white male innabl 
tants of twenty-one years of age. 

Q What are the qualifications of the governor^ 

A. He must be thirty years of age, and four 
years a resident of the State. 

Q. What is said of the judiciary ? 

A. The judiciary consists of a supreme court 
f three judges, and circuit courts of two judgcr* 
all the judges hold their office for seven yeats. 

Q. How are they appointed ? 

A. The judges of the supreme court are dp- 
pointed by the governor and senate ; those of 
the circuit courts are elected by the people. 

Q. What is said of the right of suffrage T 

A. It is the same as in Ohio. 

Q. What State has a constitution nearly the 
same as Indiana ? 

A.. Louisiana.* 

■ MISSISSIPPI. 

Q Of what does the legislature consist ? 

A. It consists of a senate and house of repre- 
jentatives, styled the General Assembly. 

Q. What are the qualifications of the menibers? 

A. The senators must be twenty-six years of 
age, have resided in the State four years, and 
possess a freehold or other taxable property worth 
$1,000. The representatives must be twenty 
two years of age, have resided two years in ths 
State, and possess a freehold of $500. 

Q. What are the qualifications of governor ^ 

-1. T\e must be thirty years of age, a eitj^gp 



CONSTITUTIONS 0^ THE STATES. Ill 

twenty, a resident in the State five years, and 
have a freehold worth $2,000. 

Q. What is said of the judicial power ? 

A. The judicial power is vested in a court of 
ippeals, and superior courts, and circuit courts. 

Q. How are the judges appointed? 

A. The judges are elected by the people fo. 
A term of six years. 

Q. What may be observed of the right of suf- 
frage ? 

A. This right extends to all njale citizens of 
the age of 21 years and upwards, who have re- 
sided in the State one year, and six months in 
the county or city in which they intend to vote. 

Q. What States have constitutions similar tc 
Mississippi ? 

A. The States of Illinois, Arkansas, Michigan, 
A-labama, Missouri, and Texas. The govern- 
ment of the other States is similar to that of Ohio. 

Q. What States have abolished imprisonment 
X)rdebt? 

A. The States of New York, New Jersey, 
^Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. 

Q. What persons are generally excluded fronr 
oting in the United States ? 

4. Paupers, convicts, persons of insane mind 
Indians not taxed, and colored persons generally. 
f.S:cept xu some few States. 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 



In Conorbss, July 4th, 1778. 
HE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE TniRTEWr 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessarj' foj 
one people to dissolve tlie political bands vehich have connected 
them vi'ith another, and to assume among the powers of the eartlj 
the separate and equal station to which tlie laws of nature and of 
nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions ofmaiv 
kind requires that they should declare the causes which impel 
them to the separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are 
created equal ; that tliey are endowed by their Creator with cer- 
tain inalienable rights ; tliat among these are life, liberty, and 
the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these riglits, govern- 
ments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers 
from the consent of the governed ; that whenever any form of 
government becomes destiuctive of tliese ends, It is the right of 
the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government 
laying its fountiation on such principles, and organiising its power* 
ui such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safet) 
and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that government* 
long established should not be changed for li^ht and tiansiem 
causes ; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankin<f 
are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable,than to right 
themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. 
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing inva- 
riably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them imdei 
absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw JtJ 
euch government, and to provide new guards fnj- their futuna 
eecurity. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies 
nd such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter tliei 
former systems of government. The history of the present Kin 
of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpation* 
all having in direct object the estabhshment of an absolute lyrann 
over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a cau 
did world. 

He has reAised his assent to laws the most wholesome and neces 
»ary for the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and 
pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till hi8 
assent should be obtained ; and when so suspended he has utterly 
aeglcctcd to atteaid to tlien* He has refused to pass otber laws 

U9 



OKCf-AKATION OF' INDKI'KNUKNCK. 113 

it>r the accommodation of large districts of people, unless tJiost 
pecrpit vtouKl relinquish tJie right of representation in the legicla 
tare — a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrant* 
only. 

He lias called together legislative bodies at places uniiKial, 
incomfoitable, and distant from the repository of iheir pnblic re 
fords, f'lr tlie sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with 
is measures. 

He has difisoIve,d representative houses repeatedly, for opposin 
with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the p<?ople. 

He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to can* 
thers to bo elected, whereby the legislative powers, incapable 
nnihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exor- 
eise; tita State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the 
lanijers of invasion from without and convulsions wiiliin. 

He hns endeavored to prevent the population of these Stales ; foi 
ihat purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners , 
•elusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and 
raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands. 

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing hin 
assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his ivill alone for the tenure 
«f their offices and the amount and payment of their salaries. 

He has erected a multiturle of new offices, and sent hitlioj 
iwarms of officers, to harass our people and eat out their substance. 

He his kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, with 
out the consent of our legislatures. 

He has affected to render the military independent of, and stipe 
ric-r to, the civil power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction f»r- 
eiftn to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws ; giving 
fii8 assent to their acts of pretended legislation : 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: 

For protecting thetri, hy a mock tiial, from punishment for any 
murders which tliey should commit on the inhabitant^) of these 
emtes : 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the worlo : 

For imposing taxes on ua witliouf our consent : 

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury 

For traniporting us beyond seas, to be iwed for pretended of 
«ncee : 

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighbonn 
TOvince, establisliing therein an arbitrary goveniment, and enlarg 
%f its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fi 
ostrument for uitroducing tlie same absolute rule into tiiese colo 
ies: 

For taking away oar charters, abolishing our most valua<)le 
awsr, and altering fundamentally tlie forms of our governments : 

For suspending cur own legislatures, and declaring themselves 
invested with power to legislate for us in ail cases wliatsnever. 

Helms at^dicatod Rovornment here, ly declaring ua on) oi' li>r» 
vroteetiori, <«nil wagin;; w;u <ij::iiiis« i»«. 



114 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCJfl. 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt ourtowtl* 
ind destroyed the lives of our people. 

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercena- 
»ies to complete tlie works of death, desolation, and tyranny 
ilready begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely 
■«araHeled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy tli« 
lead of a civihzed nation. 

He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on tht 
high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the execu 
tioners of theii friends and brethren, or to fall themselves ly thew 
bands. 

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has en 
deavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless 
Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is undistinguished 
destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. 

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned fo» 
redress in ,he most humble terms. Our repeated petitions have 
been answered only by repeated injury. A prince whose charac 
ter is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfu 
to be the ruler of a free people. 

Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. 
We have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by then 
legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We 
have reminded them of tlie circumstances of our migration ana 
settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice ant 
magnanimity, and we have conjured them by ttie ties of our com- 
mon kindred to disavow these usurpations, which W'ould inevita- 
bly interrupt our connexions and correspondence. They, too 
have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. W« 
must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces oui 
separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind — eno 
mies in war, in peace friends. 

WE, therefore, the representatives of the United States of Ame- 
rica, in general Congress assembled, appealing to tlie Supreme 
Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the 
name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, 
solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and 
of right ought to be, free and independent States ; that they ar» 
absolved from all allegiance to the British ctown, and that all jo 
litical connexion between them and the state of Great Britain is 
and ought to be, totally dissolved , and tliat, as free and indepen 
'lent States, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace 
contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts an 
tilings which independent states may of right do. And for th 
support of this declaration, with a firm r»cJian(r? on the protectio 
of Divine Providence, we mutually pledy to each other our live« 
(Htr forttmes, an<.^ our sacred konor. 

* MIN HANCOCh 



A T A B L E 

aJvibiting lice Bifi/i-place and Age of each of (hi 
Signer s of the Declaration of Independence. 



amte and Name, 



John Hancock . . , 
Josiah Bartlett, . . 
William Whipple, . 
Matthew TliorntoD, 



. r Samuel Adams, . 

£ I John Adams, . . 

^ I Robert T. Paine, 

« [ El bridge Gerry, . 

« < Stephen Hopkins, 
ftS \ WUliam Eliery, . 



. r Roger Shei-man, . . 
g I Samuel Huntington, 
o I William Williams, 
"^ { Oliver Wolcott, . . 



« f William Floyd, . 
o I Philip Livingston, 
>i ] Francis Lewis, . 
Z [ Lewis Morris, . . 



r Richard Stockton, . 
John Witherspooii, 
Francis Hoplunson, 

John Hart, 

Abraham Clarke, . 



C Robert Morris, . . , 
' Benjamin Rush, . . 
Benjamin Franklin, 
John Morton, . . . 
George Clymer. . . 
Jamea Smith, . . . 
George Taylor, . . . 
Jamea Wilson, . 
George Ross, . . 

• C Casar Rodney, . . 
M < Geo'-ge Read, . . 
'- ( Tbomas McKean, 



Born. 



1737 
1729 
1730 
1714 

1729 
17a'> 
1731 
1744 

1707 
1727 

1721 
1732 
1731 
1736 

1734 
1716 
1713 
1726 

1730 

17-2i 

1737 

, 1714 

1 1726 

1733 
1745 
1706 
1724 
1739 
1720 
1716 
1 742 
1730 

1730 
1734 
1734 



Died. 



1793 
1795 
17&5 
1803 

1803 
1826 
1814 
1814 

1785 
1820 

1793 
1796 
1811 
1797 

1821 
1778 
1803 
1798 

1781 
1794 
1791 
1780 
1794 



1813 
1790 
1777 
1813 
1806 
1781 
1798 
1780 

1783 
1798 
1817 



Native of 

Massachui-ettH, 
Massachusetts 
Maine. 
Ireland. 

Massachusetts. 
Massachusetts. 
Massachusetts. 
Massachusetts. 

Rhode Island. 
lUiode Island. 

Massachusetts 
Connecticut. 
Connecticut. 
Connecticut 

New York. 
New York. 
England. 
New York. 

New Jersey. 
Scotland. 
Pennsylvania. 
New Jersey. 
New Jeisey. 

England. 

Pennsylvanfc. 

Massachusetts 

Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvama. 

Ireland. 

Ireland. 

Scotland 

Delaware 

Delaware 
Maryland. 
Penn.sylvajH«. 



t). 



SIGNEES OF DECLARATION. 



State and Name. 



B C Sninuel Chase, . 
g I VViJIiam Paca, . . 
y 1 Thomas Stone, . 
?, [ Charles Carroll, . 



I George Wythe, . 
Richard H. Lee, . 
Thomas Jefferson, 
Benjamin Harrison, 
Thomas Nelson, . 
Francis L. Lee, . 

. Carter Braxton, . 



'J C William Hooper, 

< Joseph Hevves, . . 

IE, ( John Penn, .... 

K r Edward Rutledge, 

< I Thomas Heyward, 

I Thomas Lynch, . 

p" I Arthur Middleton, 

• C Burton Gwimtet, . 
H < L3rman Hall, . . . 
i George Waitctn, . 



Bom. Died. Age 



1741 
1740 
1743 
1737 

1726 
1132 
1743 
1736 
1TO8 
1734 
1736 

1742 
1730 
1741 

1749 
1746 
1749 
1743 

1732 
1721 
1740 



1811 
1799 
1787 
1833 

1800 
1794 
1896 
1791 
1789 
1797 
1797 

1790 
1779 
1788 

1800 
1809 
1779 

1788 

1777 
1784 
1804 



Native ot 



Maryland. 
Maryland. 
Maryland. 
Maryland. 

Virginia. 
Virginia. 
Virginia, 
Virginia. 
Virginia. 
Virginia. 
Virginia. 

Massachusettt 
New Jersey 
Virginia 

South Carolina 
South Carolina. 
South Carolina 
South Carolina 

England. 

Connecticm. 

Virgiaia. 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

''y tht Preeidenta and other Principal Offiewt of tke Unii^ 
iSVate*, since the adoption of the Coneiitntion. 



PRESIDENTS 

ypoRGK WASHiNotON, of Virginia, inaugurated .... < ITSk 

fohn Ailams, of Massachusetts, .1797 

riiomas Jefferson, of Virginiaf ....1801 

lames Madison, of Virginia, 1809 

James Monroe, of Virginia, 1817 

John Q,. Adams, of Massachusetts, 1823 

Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee, ISiiV 

Martin Van Buren, of New York, iS37 

William Henry Harrison, of Ohio, 1841 

John Tyler, of Virginia...... ..1841 

James K. Polk, o*" Tennessee, 1845 

Zachary Taylor, of Louisiana, 1849 

Willard Filhuore, of New York, laW 

franklin Pierce, of Vew Hampshire, < . . < lt.63 



VICE-rRESIDENTS. 

/•ihn Adams, of Massachusetts, *.....-•• I78a 

Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia 1797 

Aaron Burr, of New York, .- 1801 

Oeorge Clinton, of New York • 1805 

Elbridge Gerrv, of Massachusetts, • 1819 

Daniel D. Tompkins, of New York, 1817 

John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, 1825 

Martin Van Buren, of New York, 18,^3 

Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, 1837 

John Tyler, of Virginia, 1841 

George M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, 1845 

Millard Fillmore, of New York, 184 

William R, King, of Georgia, 185 



SECRETARIES OF STATE 

rh;)ma3 Jefferson, of Virginia, appointed ..1783 

3dm-und Randolph, of Virginia, 1794 

rimothy Pickering, of Virgmia, 1795 

lohn Marshall, of Virginia, 1800 

lames Madison, of Virginia, .1801 

Robert SmiOi, of Maryland, 18W 



118 nilUONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

lames Monroe, of Virginia, iSli 

iolm Q,. Ailains, of Massachusetts, 1817 

Henry Clay, of Kentiicity, 1821 

Mariin Van Burcn, of New Yorlt, \SQ*i 

Edward Livingston, of Louisiana, 1831 

Louis McLane, of Delaware, 1832 

John Forsyth, of Georgia, 18iM 

Daniel Webster, of Massachusetts, 1841 

Hugh S. Legarc, of South Caroluia, 184? 

Abel P. Upsher, of Virginia, 1842 

John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, iS-l* 

James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania ..184^ 

John M. Clayton, of Detaware, 184!) 

Daniel Webster, of Massachusetts, IS-tO 

William L Marcy, of New York,*. !8.').5 

SECRETARJES OF THE TREASURY. 

Aiexander Hamilton, of New York, 1785! 

Oliver Wolcoit, of Connecticut, ... ......1795 

Samuel Dexter, of Massachusetts, 1800 

Albert Gallatin, of Pennsylvania, 1803 

George H. Campbell, of Tennessee, 1814 

Alexander J. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, 1814 

William H. Crawford, of Georgia, 1817 

Richird Rush, of Pennsylvania 18-25 

Samuel D. Ingham, of Penn.sylvania, latJ? 

Louis McLane, of Delaware, 1^3. 

William J. Duane, of Pennsylvania, 1833 

R. B. Taney, of Maryland, 183J 

Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire, 183i 

Thomas Ewing, of Ohio, 1841 

Walter Forward, of Pennsylvania, , 1841 

John C. Spencer, of New York, 1843 

Geo. M. Bibb, of Kentucky, 1 844 

Robert J. Walker, of Mississippi, 184; 

William M. Meredith, of Pennsylvania, 18-18 

Tliomas Corwin, of Ohio 18;)0 

James Guthrie, of Kentucky, IS-^ 



SECRETARI8S OF WAR. 

Henry Knox, of Massachusetts, I7«8 

Tjmotliy Pickering, of Massachusettfl, 1795 

James McHenry, of Maryland, 1796 

*>iamael Dexter, of Massachusetts, 180(i 

Roger G/isvvold, of Connecticut, 1 801 

Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts. 1801 

William Uustis, of Massachusetts,. .' 1809 

Jnhn Armyirong, of New York, 1«?3 

'ai!'<-s Monroe, of Virgini.'i, I*^l< 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. I l9 

IVllliam H. Crawford, of Georgia, 181S 

.saac Shelby, of Kentucky, 1816 

,'olui C. Calhoun, of Soutli Carolina, ISP 

James Barbour, of Virginia, 1825 

Peter B. Porter, of New York, 1826 

John Eaton, of Tennessee, 1829 

Hugh L. VVliitc, of Tennessee, 1831 

Lewis Cass, of Michigan, 1831 

loel R. Poijisctt, of Soutli Carolina, 1837 

Joliu Bell, of Tennessee, 1841 

fohn C. S|)encer, of New York, I84L 

lames M. Porter, of Pennsylvania, 1848 

William Wilkins, of Pennsylvania, 18-14 

William L. Marcy, of New York 18-15 

George W. Crawford, of Geoigia, 1849 

Charles M. Conrad, of Louisiana, 1850 

U'flerson Davis, of Mississippi, 1853 



SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. 

^VoJe.— Tliis Department was eetablishal in 1796— previoa-s lo llinl period it waa ■ 
Uuiich of the Wax Depariment. 

George Cabot, of Massachusetts. 1798 

Betijumin Stoddart, of Marylana, 1799 

Robert Smith, of Maryland, 1802 

Jacob Crowninshield, of Massachusetts 1805 

Paul Hamilton, of North Carolina, 1809 

William Jones, of Pennsylvania, 1812 

Benjamui W. Crowninshield, of Massachusetts 1814 

Smith Thompson, of New York, 1818 

5amuel L. Southland, of New Jersey, 1822 

/i)hn Branch, of North Carolina 1829 

^iCvi Woodbury, of New Hampshire 1831 

riahlon Dickerson, of New Jersey, 1834 

Barnes K. Paulding, of New !York, 183b 

Jeorge E. Badger, of North Carolina, 1841 

Abel P. Upshur, of Virginia, 1841 

Javid Henshaw, of Massachasetts, 1843 

Thomas W. Gilmer, of Virginia, 1844 

John Y. Mason, of Virginia, 1844 

George Bancroft, of Massachusetts, 184& 

William Ballard Preston, of Virginia, 18411 

William A. Graham, of North Carolina, 1850 

James C. Dobbin, or Nortli Cara Una, 1853 



SECRETARIES OF THE INTERIOR. 

riiomas Ewing, of Ohio, 849 

Thomas M. T. McKennan, of Pennsylvania, 1850 

Alexande*- H. H. Stewart, of Virginia, 1850 

Robert McClelland, of Michigan 185a 



120 CURONOLOOICaL tabll 



POSTMASTERS-GENERAL. 

Samuel Oswood, of Massachusetts, I7ifc 

Timothy Pickering, of Massachusetts, jTjH 

Joseph Habersham, of Georgia, IT95 

Gideon Granger, of Connecticut, ISffi 

Return J. Meigs, of Ohio, 1814 

John McLean, of Ohio, , I*i1 

ilham T. Barry, of Kentucky, 'b'JS 

nios Kendall, of Kentucky, 1«3« 

fhn M. N lies, of Connecticut, !»-k 

FruJicis Granger, of New York, 1841 

Charles A. Wickliffe, of Kentucky .1841 

Cave jDhnson, of Tennessee, 1845 

Jacob Collamer, of Vermont, 1W13 

N. K. Hall, of New York, lur>ti 

lames Campbell, of Pennsylvania, lo&3 



ATTORN'EYS-GENERAL. 

E<!mund Randolph, of Virginia, 1789 

William Bradford, of Penusylvinia, 1794 

Charles Lee, of Virginia, 1 795 

licvi Lincoln, of Massachusetts, 1601 

Robert Snritli, of Maryland,. . . .' 1805 

John Breckenridge, of Kentucky, 1806 

Caesar A. Rodney, of Delaware, 1807 

William Pinkney, of Maryland, 1811 

Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, 1814 

William Wirt, of VLrginia, 1817 

J. McPherson Berrien, of Georgia, 1829 

Roger B. Taney, of Marj-land 1831 

Benjamin F. Butler, of New York, \B'M 

Felix Grundy, of Tennessee, 183a 

Henry D. Gilpinj of Pennsylvania, 1840 

John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, 1841 

Hugh S. Legare, of SouUi Carolma, 184J 

John Nelson, of Maryland, 1843 

John Y. Mason, of Virginia, 1845 

Bevcrdy Johnson, of Maryland, 1849 

Sohn J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, 1850 

Caleb Cashing of Massachusetts, 1853 



CHIEF JUSTICES OF THE UNITED STATES 

John Jay, of New York, . 1780 

William Cushing, cf Massachusetts .i79(J 

Oliver Ells wortli, of Connecticut, 179tl 

John Jay, of New York, . . ..'t^m 

John Maiahall, of Virginia, , 180: 

Uoger B. Taney, of Maryland XKt 



\ CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

OF 

AMERICAN HISTORY 

FVom the Discovery in 1492, to the 'ear 1853. 



102 Columbus discovers the Ne\\' World. 

.497 The Cabota discover the Continent of N. America. 

1512 Jiian Ponce de Leon discovers Florida. 

1639 Ferdinand de Soto begins the conquest of Florida. 

*541 Soto discovers the Mississippi river. 

1565 St. AujTUstine, the oldest town in the United States, 

fouiaded by Pedro Melendez. 
IB84 Raleigh's first expedition sent to Carolina. 
1607 Jap';€stown, in Viro;inia, founded ; the earliest permar 

nent English settlement in North America. 
I (509 Tenry Hudson discovers the Hudson river. 
1613 New York settled by the Dutch. 
1620 Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. 
1623 Portsmouth and Dover settled by Gorges And Mason. 

Albany settled by the Dutch. 
1G27 The Swedes settle on the Delaware. 
1631 Windsor, in Connecticut settled. 
1633 Maryland settled by Lord Baltimore. 
1034 Banishment of Koj^er Williams from Massachusetts. 

643 Confederation of the New Ecffland coionies. 

6i4 Roger Williams dfetains a enartfer lor Rhode Island. 

655 Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor of New York, coa 
quers New Sweden. 

664 New York taken from the Dutch by the English. 

Charles II grants to the Duke of York a patent fof 
the country from the Delaware to the Connecticut. 
<rt71 Charleston settled. 
1673 New York re-conquered by the Dutch. 
1074 ^'ew York restored to the'English. 
1676 Commencement of King Philip's war. 
1676 Bacon's rebellion in Virginia. 
!681 Fenn leeeive^ a charter for I'ennsy'vant.. 



122 CHRONOLOGICAL TAKLK 

1682 Philadelphia founded. 

1688 Revolution in England, which gives tiio eoverffhrA * 

William and Maiy. 
1691 Colonel Sloughter appointed governor of Ne'O' 'S.ycX 
1694 Culture of rice introduced into South Carolina. 

1700 Yale College founded. 

1701 Penn grants a new charter to Pennsylvania. 
VT04 Fii-st Newspaper published in Anieiica, at Hoeton 
J '29 North and South Carolina separated. 

1 32 George Washington born. 

ir44 War between France and England. 

il754 Connnenceicent of the Old French War. 

1755 Defeat of General Braddock. 

1756 War formally declared between France and Englaiwa 
1759 Quebec taken. General Wolfe killed. 

f 765 Stamp act passed. 

First Continental Congress meets at New York. 
1766 Stamp act repealed. 
lV'/3 Tea destroyed in Boston. 

1774 Continental Congress assembles at Philadelphia. 
\.\\lt April 19 — Battle of Lexington and Concora. 

June 15— Washington appointed commander-in-chipl 

17— Battle of Breed's Hill. 
Dec. 31 — Attack on Quebec defeated. Montgomery 
killed. 
'* V6 March 17 — Boston aracuated bj the Pvitish. 
July 4 — Declaration of Independence. 
Aug. 26 — Americans defeated on Long Is'a.ic' 
Oct. 28— Battle of White Plains. 
Nov. — Retreat of Washington through Ne> Miw? 
i>ec. 26— Battle of Trenton. 
177^ Jan. 2— Battle of Prmceton. 
Arrival of Lafayette. 
Aig. 16 — Battle of Bennington. 
fc.^pt. 11 — Battle of Brandvwine. 

18 — Congress leaves ^Philadelphia. 
19— Battle of Stillwater. 
25 — Philadelphia occupied by the British 
Oct, 4 — Battle of Germantown. 
12— Surrender of Burgoyne. 
22— Battle of Redbank. 
Ncv. V> — Articles of Conlederation of the Dnitod 8t*to 

ratified. 
Dec. 11 —Washington retires to Valley Forge. 
;T78 Treaty between France an4 the Uni*«d States. 
Jxuie 18 -The Dritish evacuate Philadelphia. 



OF AMERICAN lUSTORY 123 

•778 Jane 28~Battle of Monmouth. 
(778 July — Arrival of the French fleet. 
(779 July 15— Storming of Stony Point. 
19 — Storming of Paulus Hook. 
Sept. — Arrival of the French fleet at Savannah. 
780 May 12 — Charleston capitulates. 

July 12 — British defeated at Williamson's PlantaUoa, 
Aug. 16 — Battle of Camden. 
Sept. — Arnold's treason at West Point. 
Oct. ? -Battle of King's Mountain, 
f 81 Jan. 17— Battle of Cowpens. 
March 15 — Battle of Guilford 

8— Battle of Eutaw. 
Oct. 19 — Siege and surrender of Yorktown. 
T82 Feb. 27 — Gen. Conway makes a motion in the Parha- 
ment for discontinuing the American war. 
Wov. — Treaty of Peace between the United States and 
Great Britain signed. 
/783 April 19— Cessation of hostilities between the United 
States and Great Britain proclaimed. 
Dec. 4 — Washington takes teave of the officers of the 

army. 
Dec. 23 — Washington resigns his commission. 
<787 May — Convention meets at Philadelphia for framing 
the Federal Constitution. 
Sept. 17 — Constitution made public. 
J788 The new Constitution ratified. 

1789 March 4 — Washington's Administration coromences. 

1790 First Census of the United States taken : populatioc 

3,929,326. 

1791 The city of Washington laid out. 
Nov — l!)efeat of General St. Clair. 

1791 Aug. 20 — General Wayne defeats the Indians on the 

Miami. 
797 John Adams elected President, and Thomas JeflTeraCH 
Vice-President of the United States. 
March 4 — Commencement of John Adams' Adminis* 
tration. 
J 99 Dec. 14 — Death of General Washington. 
800 Second Census of the U. States : population 5, 30^,485. 

Nov — Congress first sits at Washington. 
1801 March 4— Commencement of Jefferson's Administra- 
tion. 
1807 Dec — Erabarjjo Law passed. 
Burr's Conspiracy and Trial. 
(R'*« Harofc 4 — ^^'^ram^-ncementofMadisiou's AdministratiPiL 



t*24 CHRONOLOGICAL TA«mi 

1809 Embargo Law repealed. 
ISll Nor. 7— Battle of Tippecanoe. 

1812 June 18 — Wai declared against Great BritAin by tat 
United States. 
Jul J 12 — General Hull invades Canada. 
Aug. 19 — Guerriere, British frigate, taken by the Con 

stitution. 
Oct. 17 —British ship Frolic captured by Americai 

ship Wasp. 
Oct. 25 — Macedonian frij^ate taken by the U. State?. 
Dec. 29 — Java, British frigate, taken by the Coneti 
tution. 
IS13 Jan. 13 — General Winchester surprised and defeated 
March 4 — James Madison inaugurated President. 
May 27 — Fort George taken by the American troops. 
29 — British defeated in an attempt on Sackett' 
Harbor. 
June 1 — Chesapeake taken by the Shannon. 
Sept. 4 — British brig Boxer taken by the United Statei 
brig Enterprize. 
10 — British squadi'on on Lake Erie taken by tht 
Americans. 
Oct. 5 — British defeated bv General Harrison. 
1814 Feb. 23— Mission to Gottenburg. 

Mar. 20 — Frigate Essex taken oy two British vessete 
April 21 — Umted States' ship Frolic taken. 
July 6 — Battle of Chippewa. 

25— Battle of Bridgewater. 
Aug. 15 — Battle of Fort Erie. 

24 — Battle of Bladensburg, Wasliingtou taken; 
the Capitol and otner public building 
burned by the British. 
Sept. 11— British squadron on Lake Champlain cap 
tured by the American squadron undw 
Commodore McDonough. Defeat of th» 
British at Plattsburg. 
24 — Treaty of Peace si^iea at Ghent. 
815 Jan. 8 — Signal defeat of the British, by Gen. .IAck^K^lO 
Feb. 17 — Treaty of peace ratified. 
Feb. 20 — War declared against the Algeriuos. 
May — Commodore Decatur sails to Algiers. 
June IS — An Algerine frigate of 44 guns, captured b^ 

the Guerriere. 
Aug. — Treaty of peace with the Dey of Algiers. 
1816 April- The National Bank established by Congrear 
with a capital of thirty-five millions. 



. OF AMERICAN HISTORY, , 125 

1817 March 4 — James Monroe inaugurated President. 

1818 War with the Seminole Indians commenced. 
April — The Seminoles defeated by Gen. Jackson, 
May 28 — General Jackson takes Pensacola. 

Nov. — Pensacola restored to the Spaniards. 
1820 Population of the United States, 9,625,734. 

American Colonization Society sent out their first 
colonists to Liberia. 
1C24 The Marquis de Lafayette visited the United States 

1825 March 4 — John Quincy Adams inausrurated. 

1826 July 4— The Ex-Presidents John Adams undThos. 

Jefferson died. 

1829 March 4 — Andrew Jackson inaugurated President. 

1830 Population of the United States, 12,866,020. 

1832 The United States visited with the cholera. 

1833 Andrew Jackson commences his second term. 

1837 Michigan admitted into the Union. 
March 4 — Van Buren inaugurated. 

Dec. 31— Gen. Clinch's battle of the Withlacoocheo 

1838 Canadians revolt, and are aided by the Americans. 
1841 March 4 — Wm. H. Harrison inaugurated. 

April 4— Death of President Harrison. 
1845 March 4 — James K. Polk inaugurated. 

June 8 — General Jackson dies. 

Dec. 29 — Texas admitted into the Union. 
184G May 3 — Hostilities commenced between Mexico 
and the United States. Battle of Palo Alto. 

1847 Feb. 23— Battle of Buena Vista. 

March 26 — Vera Cruz surrenders to General Scott. 
Sept. 15 — The city of Mexico surrenders. 

1848 John Q. Adams dies in the House of Congress. 
Feb. 2 — A treaty of peace concluded at Guada- 

loupe Hidalgo, between the U. States and Mexico 

1849 March 4— General Zachary Taylor inaugurated. 
June 15 — Ex-President Polk died. 

1850 March 31— Death of John C. Calhoun. 
July 9 — Death of President Zachary Taylor. 
Millard Fillmore becomes President. 
California admitted into the Union. 
Population of the United States, 23,267,498. 

iSS3 Franklin Pierce inaugurated. 

William R. King, Vice-President, dies. 



H 33 89 ^1 



V: 

















HECKMAN 
BINDERY INC. |§ 

^ APR 89 

N. MANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 46962 







